Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

What is the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) ?

The Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is a medical screening test used to detect blood in a person's stool sample. It detects hidden (occult) blood in the stool which may be an indicator of several illnesses, such as colon cancer and other digestive tract disorders.

Types of Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

FOBT is commonly categorized into two main types: qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative test will detect the presence or absence of blood in the stool. The quantitative test, on the other hand, will measure the amount of blood present.

• Quantitative Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
• Qualitative Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

When to Perform a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)?

The FOBT is considered a screening test and is usually recommended for healthy individuals aged 50 and above, or those who have a family history of colon cancer. It may also be recommended for individuals with symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, weight loss, and changes in bowel habits.

Preparation for a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

• Avoid taking multivitamins or vitamin C supplements at least one day before the test.
• Avoid eating red meat at least two days before the test.
• Avoid taking any medications containing iron, such as iron supplements.
• Refrain from smoking cigarettes or cigars before the test.

Procedure for a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

The FOBT is a simple procedure that can be performed at home or in a doctor's office. For the test, a small amount of stool is collected and put onto an opaque card. The card is then marked and sent to a laboratory to be tested for traces of blood. The test results are usually available within one to two days.

Risks Associated with a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

The FOBT is a safe and straightforward test with no known risks. However, there is a small chance that the test may give a false positive or a false negative result. Therefore, if the test results are positive, further tests or evaluations must be conducted to identify and diagnose the underlying condition.

Conclusion

The Fecal Occult Blood Test is a screening test that is used to detect hidden (occult) blood in the stool. It is a simple procedure that can be performed at home or in a doctor's office. The test is often recommended for healthy individuals aged 50 and above or those with a family history of colon cancer. It is a generally safe test, however, there is a small chance that the test may give a false positive or false negative result. Therefore, if the test results are positive, further tests or evaluations must be conducted to identify and diagnose the underlying condition.