Understanding Aspirin (ASA) Clearance Time & Atrial Fibrillation

Question
Hello: I have been given an occult blood detection kit in conjunction with my yearly physical.I am 60,and in general good health,with the exception of paroxysmal idiopathic atrial fibrillation,which I've suffered from for about 25 years.I get attacks about once a month,which last no longer than 48 hours (my last episode started last Friday,ending this past Sunday). My cardiologist has me on a daily dose of a beta blocker and ASA ( 325 mg coated). As you are no doubt aware,the test I was given recommends among other things the suspension of ASA ingestion while using the kit.I asked my pharmacologist how long it would take to clear the ASA from my system,and he seemed hesitant in his  answer for some reason.I managed to contact my cardiologist by phone but he was quite abrupt with me,and I didn't get to ask him the same question.So,please tell me how long I should wait before beginning the test-I am stopping ASA today. Thanks!

Answer
Dear Michael,

Seven days is usually an adequate number of days to stop the aspirin prior to the occult blood test. However, some physicians do not want their patients off the aspirin for any reason. Therefore, you need to call the cardiologist back and ask him when he wants you to stop the aspirin. You may prefer to speak with the nurse first and see if she/he can get you the answer from the cardiologist.
Wishing you all the best!