Can I eat meat before a routine stool examination?

Generally, it is not recommended to eat meat before a routine stool examination. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Fat and protein in meat may affect the balance of intestinal flora, thereby interfering with the accuracy of routine stool test results. Meat, especially red meat and organ meats, are rich in iron. This iron may lead to a false-positive result in the fecal occult blood test, affecting the physician's assessment of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Prior to a routine stool examination, it is advisable to avoid consuming meat and other foods that may interfere with test results, such as iron-rich foods, foods containing pigments, and excessively greasy foods. Instead, one can choose light and easily digestible foods like congee and noodles, as well as consume adequate amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables to provide necessary nutrients.

In addition to dietary restrictions, maintaining good bowel habits, avoiding medications that may cause false-positive results, and practicing personal hygiene are important to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the stool sample. Furthermore, the perianal area should be kept clean before collecting the sample to avoid contamination. A clean, non-absorbent container should be used to collect the stool, which should then be sent for testing promptly.