During the test
A few different types of tests are available. For the Guaiac stool test, you need to collect a small sample of stool into a clean container on three different days. You should then bring the containers back to your physician or mail it to a lab for analysis. Conversely, you can add developing solutions yourself if a complete test kit was provided to you.
Other kits may consist of special wiping cloths or flushable pads that change to a blue color in the presence of blood.
After the test
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after collecting the samples.
You may or may not interpret your own test results depending on the type of kit provided to you. A positive test result entails that the testing tool (card, pad, or wipe) turns blue and that there is blood in the stool.
If you received a positive result, you should speak with doctor about what other tests should be conducted to determine what the problem might be. It is also important to keep in mind that false-positive (when you do not have blood in your stool but the test says that you do) or false-negative (where you have blood in your stool but the test says that you do not) results are possible.