Stool for Occult Blood Test

Stool for Occult Blood Test – Why am I having this test?

Stool for occult blood test, or fecal occult blood test (FOBT), is a test that is used to check for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, which may be a sign of colon cancer. This test can also detect small amounts of blood in your stool (feces) from other causes, such as ulcers, bleeding blood vessels, or hemorrhoids.

This test may be done as part of an annual routine exam to screen for colorectal cancer. Screening is recommended for all adults starting at age 50 and continuing until age 75. Your health care provider may recommend screening at age 45.

What is being tested?

This test checks for blood in your stool.

What kind of sample is taken?

A stool sample is required for this test. Your health care provider may collect the sample with a swab of the rectum. Or, you may be instructed to collect the sample in a container at home. If you are instructed to collect the sample at home, your health care provider will give you the instructions and supplies that you will need.

How do I collect samples at home?

You may be asked to collect stool samples at home. Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to collect the samples.

When collecting a stool sample at home, make sure you:

  • Use supplies and instructions that you received from the lab.
  • Have a bowel movement directly into a clean, dry container. Do not collect stool from the water in the toilet.
  • Transfer the sample into the germ-free (sterile) cup that you received from the lab.
  • Do not let any toilet paper or urine get into the cup.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water after collecting the sample.
  • Return the samples to the lab as instructed.

How do I prepare for this test?

  • Do not eat any red meat during the 3 days before your test.
  • Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking before the test. Your health care provider may instruct you to avoid other foods or substances.

Tell a health care provider about:

  • All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines. You may be instructed to avoid certain medicines that are known to interfere with this test.
  • Any recent dental procedures you have had.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative for blood in your stool.

What do the results mean?

A negative test result means that there is no blood within the stool. A negative result is considered normal.

A positive test result may mean that there is blood in the stool. Causes of blood in the stool include:

  • GI tumors.
  • Certain GI diseases.
  • GI trauma or recent surgery.
  • Hemorrhoids.

If your test result is positive, additional tests may be needed to find the source of the bleeding.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

  • When will my results be ready?
  • How will I get my results?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What other tests do I need?
  • What are my next steps?

Summary

  • Stool for occult blood, or fecal occult blood test (FOBT), is a test that is used to check for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, which may be a sign of colon cancer.
  • This test can also detect small amounts of blood in your stool (feces) from other causes, such as ulcers, bleeding blood vessels, or hemorrhoids.
  • Your health care provider may collect the sample with a swab of the rectum. Or, you may be instructed to collect the sample in a container at home.
  • A positive test result may mean that there is blood in the stool.
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