Stool Examination for Occult Blood

Stool Examination Occult Blood Test Overview

A stool examination for occult blood or the FOBT medical test is a test where a sample of your stool or poop is taken to check hidden issues or the presence of blood in the feces, which can lead into digestive issues. 

The Fecal occult blood test is an important way to find gastrointestinal bleeding in its earliest stage. In medical words, this kind of blood is called "occult" or "hidden." The test can determine if there is blood, but it can't say where it came from. You can have polyps in your colon or rectum if the test comes back positive.

People over 40 or with a family history of digestive problems need to undergo the stool examination for occult blood test. This test is an important way to keep your health in check because most of the things that can cause hidden blood in stool can be treated if they are found early.

Why Is a Stool Examination for Occult Blood Prescribed?

An FOBT medical test is often used as a screening test to discover colorectal cancer. The test can also be done to look for other things that can cause GI bleeding. Other than these, there are other reasons why this test is prescribed-

To Check Gastrointestinal problems early

Before symptoms get worse, the test can show if there is bleeding in the digestive tract due to ulcers, gastritis, or polyps.

Cancer Screening

The Fecal occult blood test is a standard way to check for colorectal cancer, which is one of the most common tumors.

To Check Digestive Health

For people who already have digestive problems, the test helps keep track of their health and how well their therapy is working.

Components of a Fecal Occult Blood Test

If a Fecal occult blood test shows that you have blood in your stool, it probably suggests that you have bleeding elsewhere in your digestive system. But that doesn't mean you always have cancer. A negative test result suggests that the stool sample did not have any blood in it during the testing period. 

Procedures and Perquisites

The Fecal occult blood test is a simple procedure. Your doctor may provide you with the kit for home test and the collection of stools. The stool samples are collected in a clean container and tested for colors changes using a test card. You may need to avoid specific foods, including red meat, raw vegetables, or medications, for a few days before the test since they can change the results.