Understanding the Stool for Occult Blood Test
What It Is: The Stool for Occult Blood Test, also known as the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), detects hidden (occult) blood in a stool sample. This test is primarily used to identify early signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be a symptom of various medical conditions, including colorectal cancer, ulcers, and polyps.
Why It's Important: Detecting occult blood in the stool is crucial for identifying underlying health conditions that may not present visible symptoms. Early detection of these conditions can significantly improve treatment outcomes, making the FOBT a crucial diagnostic tool.
Role of Occult Blood Detection: Occult blood in the stool can indicate the presence of bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract. This bleeding can be caused by various conditions, ranging from benign issues like hemorrhoids to more serious conditions like colorectal cancer.
How the Stool for Occult Blood Test Works:
Sample Collection: You will be provided with a kit to collect a small sample of your stool at home. The sample is then placed in a container or on a special card.
Laboratory Analysis: The sample is sent to a lab where it is tested for the presence of blood using chemical reactions or immunochemical methods.
What to Expect During the Test:
Preparation: You may be asked to avoid certain foods and medications that can affect the test results for a few days before collecting the sample.
Procedure: Collect a small sample of your stool using the provided kit and follow the instructions for proper collection and storage.
Duration: The collection process is quick and can be done at home. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
Interpreting the Results:
Normal Results: Indicates no blood is detected in the stool, suggesting no significant abnormalities.
Positive Results: Indicates the presence of occult blood in the stool, which may require further investigation to determine the underlying cause.
Why Your Doctor Might Order This Test:
Colorectal Cancer Screening: To detect early signs of colorectal cancer, especially in individuals over 50 years old or those with a family history of the disease.
Diagnosing Gastrointestinal Disorders: To check for conditions like ulcers, diverticulosis, and hemorrhoids, which can cause hidden blood loss.
Monitoring Known Conditions: For individuals already diagnosed with conditions like Crohn's disease or peptic ulcers, the FOBT can help monitor ongoing bleeding.
Symptoms That Might Prompt This Test:
Unexplained abdominal pain
Changes in bowel habits
Blood in the stool (visible or microscopic)
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue