LifeGuard (3 tests) LifeGuard detects hidden blood in the stool, an early warning signal of colorectal cancer, ulcers, hemmorrhoids, polyps, colitis, diverticulitis, fissures (wipe stool onto testing cloth, more accurate than EZ-DETECT)

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LifeGuard FAQs

What does the LifeGuard® kit contain?

Each LifeGuard® kit contains:

• Three LifeGuard® test wipes, one for wiping after each of three closely spaced bowel movements.
• One vial of Developer to develop all three of the test wipes.
• One Test Result Card for you to fill out and mail to your doctor after testing is complete.
• Each LifeGuard® test is packaged in a foil-lined envelope. You must keep each test in its envelope until ready to use. Save the envelopes to dispose of used tests in the trash.
• Complete English/Spanish instructions for test use.

Why test yourself for blood in the stool?

Blood in the stool can be a sign of an illness in the bowels that needs medical care, for example, diverticulitis, polyps, colitis, or colon cancer. Early stages of these colorectal diseases may not have any symptoms that you notice, but LifeGuard® test wipes can detect unseen blood, serving as an early warning sign of bowel troubles that need medical attention. Since bleeding may not occur every day, you should test three closely spaced bowel movements. If any one of the three test wipes turns blue in Step 2 (testing the sample), call your doctor as soon as possible. Always fill out and send the Test Result card to your doctor, even if your tests show no blue color (a negative result).

How does LifeGuard® work?

The LifeGuard® test wipe contains a special paper. After a bowel movement, wipe with the LifeGuard® test wipe to apply a sample of your stool to the paper. When you add drops of developer to that part of the paper, it will turn blue if there is any blood present in your stool (a positive result).

What are the controls?

The controls are the positive (+ • + • +) and negative (- • - • -) lines surrounded by the blue colored zone on the LifeGuard® test. The controls are developed in Step 3 by adding a drop of developer in between the positive and negative lines. The controls should not be developed until after you have developed the stool sample in Step 2. Then if the positive control line (+ • + • +) turns blue and the negative control line (- • - • -) stays red, you will know that the test is working properly.

Can I take the LifeGuard® test if I am colorblind?

The LifeGuard® test has been made so that anyone can simply collect a stool sample in private, at home. However, reading the test requires that you be able to see a blue color change, so if you know that you cannot see the color blue, then you must get help from someone who is not colorblind to the color blue to develop the test and read the results. Once you have obtained the stool sample, you have up to 14 days to get someone to help you develop and read the test. You may collect the samples, seal the labeled tests and store them in their envelopes, but do not add developer to the samples until you have help reading the results.

When should I take the LifeGuard® test?

Do NOT take stool samples:

• During the menstrual period; always wait until three days after the end of the period.
• While you have bleeding hemorrhoids;
• When you see blood in your urine
• When you are experiencing constipation lasting longer than two weeks; or
• When you have bleeding cuts on your hands.
• Blood from these areas may mix with your stool sample and give you a false result.

How close in time can I take the three tests?

You may take the three tests on three separate days, or as close together as all three on the same day, as long as three separate bowel movements are tested.

How should I prepare to take the LifeGuard® test?

To prepare for this test you should do the following:

1. Talk with your doctor and find out which of the drugs in the following list you may safely avoid. With your doctor’s consent, avoid these drugs for seven (7) days before and during the test time. Do not stop taking any drug without your doctor’s consent.
   
   • Aspirin [greater than 1 adult aspirin (325 mg) per day] but acetaminophen (Tylenol*) can be taken as needed for pain
   • Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, indomethacine and naproxen
   • Corticosteriods, phenylbutazone, reserpine, anticoagulants, antimetabolites, and cancer chemotherapeutic drugs
   • Antiseptics containing iodine (povidone/iodine mixture). These drugs might cause some blood to be found in your stool that would not be a sign of illness and would cause a false-positive test result.
     
2. Avoid the following items three days before and during your testing time:
   
   • More than 250 mg per day of Vitamin C (from all sources, food or pills) Caution: Some iron pills contain more than 250 mg of Vitamin C. A lot of Vitamin C can make the LifeGuard® result look normal even when your stool has blood in it (a “false negative” result).
   • Red Meat (beef, lamb, liver) and processed meats, such as hot dogs and lunch meats. These foods might make the LifeGuard® result look positive even when your stool has no blood in it (a “false positive” result).
   • Most raw fruits and vegetables, especially melons, radishes, turnips, horseradish, broccoli and cauliflower. These foods might also give a false positive result.
   • Rectal suppositories. These can cause the LifeGuard® tests to show wrong results.

What kind of foods can I eat before and during the tests?

Here is a special diet to eat for at least 3 days before and through the testing time. These foods will help you have a softer bowel movement and make it easy to collect a stool sample:

• Well-cooked pork, poultry and fish.
• Any cooked fruits and vegetables
• High fiber foods like whole wheat bread, cereals and popcorn.
  If any of these foods bother you, consult with your doctor.

How do I store the LifeGuard® test?

Follow these suggestions for proper storage:

• Store at room temperature (64°F to 84°F). Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• Protect the test wipes from light, heat, humidity, and volatile chemicals like iodine, bleach, ammonia, or household cleaners.
• Keep each test in its envelope away from the developer when not in use. If test wipes are not kept in the envelope, you might get a wrong result.
• Keep the developer cap tightly closed when not in use since the developer can evaporate.
• Do not use parts of this test kit with parts from any other test kit, or you might get a wrong test result.
• Check the test expiration date on each test wipe. Do not use the test if the expiration date has passed or you might get a wrong result.

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