As part of its Delray Diplomat Program, Delray Medical Center distributed more than 500 at-home devices to members that detect small quantities of hidden blood in a person’s stool. The blood may be a sign of a more serious issue, such as colon cancer, hemorrhoids or a bleeding ulcer.

 

The EZ Detect Stool Blood Test is a simple, sanitary device that requires no stool handling. Each test kit contains five biodegradable pads and a postcard. Users drop a pad into the toilet bowl, and if blood is present, a blue-green cross on the pad will appear within two minutes.

 

Delray Medical Center recommends users take the test at least three times. If users receive three positive results, they send a postcard to the hospital. The director of oncology and/or a patient navigator then contacts the user about possible treatments. Users will also receive contact information for a panel of gastrointestinal physicians if they do not have a physician and would like to make an appointment.