Fecal Occult Blood Test
(FOBT; Stool Occult Blood Test)
Definition
A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a test to detect the presence of blood in the stool (feces).
Reasons for Test
An FOBT is used mainly as part of the colorectal cancer screening process.
It may also used to detect blood in your stool if you are having abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or other symptoms.
Colorectal Cancer
Adenomatous Polyp in Colon
What to Expect
Prior to Test
A positive FOBT does not mean you have cancer. Other things can cause a positive test. Minor stomach bleeding from certain medicines or hemorrhoids or eating certain foods can cause a positive test. To help avoid this, you can try to:
-
Avoid certain medicines and foods:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen , naproxen, or aspirin for seven days prior to testing (If these are taken daily for medical conditions, consult your doctor before discontinuing.)
- Red meats for three days before testing
- Cantaloupe, uncooked vegetables, blood sausage, and possibly Tabasco sauce for three days before testing
- Wait until your hemorrhoids are not bleeding.
- Avoid having the test during your menstrual period.
- Avoid cleaning your toilet bowl for several days before the test. Chemicals from the cleanser can affect the test.
Description of Test
The test is most often done at home.
You will set up the kit according to the instructions when you are ready to have a bowel movement. The kit should allow you to collect three samples of stool. Some kits provide a disposable container into which you can pass your bowel movement. Other kits provide you with tissue paper or plastic wrap that you can lay in the toilet to keep your stool sample from sinking into the water.
Using thin wooden sticks provided with the kit, you will pick up a very small sample of stool. You will then smear the sample onto a special card. The card folds over to protect the stool sample.
After Test
You will mail or deliver the cards to the clinic or lab. Make sure you have written your name on each card.
How Long Will It Take?
The test should only take a few minutes.
Will It Hurt?
This test will not hurt.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home.html
Senior Health
National Institutes of Health
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/listoftopics.html/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
http://www.cdhf.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/
References:
Can colorectal polyps and cancer be found early? Colorectal cancer screening. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_Can_colon_and_rectum_cancer_be_found_early.asp. Updated May 2009. Accessed July 24, 2009.
Causes of occult and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home.html. Accessed on February 7, 2003.
Guide to diagnostic tests: fecal occult blood test. Harvard Medical School Health Publications website. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diagnostic-tests/fecal-occult-blood-test.htm. Accessed on July 24, 2009.
Home stool testing kit a better screening tool. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp. Published March 2001. Accessed on February 7, 2003.
Pignone M, Campbell M, Carr C, et al. Proposed Effects of Dietary and Medication Restrictions during FOBT with guaiac-based tests. Meta-analysis of dietary restriction during fecal occult blood testing. Effective Clinical Practice. 2001;4:150-156.
Last reviewed October 2009 by Brian P. Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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