Stool Examination - Occult Blood – BC301
🩸 GI & Colon ScreeningReport: Same Day
Sample Type: Stool
Test Code: BC301
The Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), or Stool Occult Blood test, is a non-invasive laboratory test used to check a stool sample for occult blood that is, blood that is present in amounts too small to be seen with the naked eye.
✔ A crucial screening tool for Colorectal Cancer and pre-cancerous polyps.
✔ Helps detect hidden (occult) bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
✔ Can also indicate other conditions like ulcers, hemorrhoids, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
✔ A positive result requires further investigation, usually a colonoscopy.
Why Screen for Hidden Blood?
Many serious conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including colorectal polyps and early-stage cancer, may bleed slightly long before they cause any noticeable symptoms like pain or changes in bowel habits. This small, intermittent bleeding is not visible in the toilet, but it can be detected by this sensitive test. Finding this hidden blood is a critical early warning sign.
FOBT vs. FIT: What's the Difference?
There are two main types of occult blood tests:
- Guaiac-based FOBT (gFOBT): An older chemical test that detects heme (a component of blood). This test can be affected by certain foods (like red meat) and medications (like vitamin C), requiring dietary restrictions.
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT or iFOBT): The more modern test. It uses antibodies to specifically detect human hemoglobin. This makes it more specific for bleeding in the lower GI tract and, importantly, it does not require any dietary or medication restrictions.
Our diagnostic center will provide you with the correct kit and specific instructions for the method being used. Regardless of the method, a positive result is a serious signal that should be immediately discussed with your doctor for follow-up at a diagnostic center, usually involving a colonoscopy to find the source of the bleeding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Occult means hidden. Occult blood is a trace amount of blood in the stool that is not visible to the naked eye. This test is designed to detect these microscopic amounts.
No, not necessarily. A positive result simply means there is bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract. This can be caused by many benign (non-cancerous) conditions like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, ulcers, or polyps. However, it can be an early sign of colorectal cancer, which is why it must be followed up with a colonoscopy.
This test is recommended as a routine screening tool for colorectal cancer for adults over the age of 45-50. Your doctor may also order it if you have unexplained anemia (low hemoglobin) or other GI symptoms.
It depends on the test type. If you are given a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), no special diet or medication restrictions are needed. If you are given an older guaiac-based test (gFOBT), you may need to avoid red meat, certain vegetables (like broccoli or turnips), and vitamin C supplements for a few days. Always follow the exact instructions provided by our laboratory.
You will be given a special collection kit. You will use the provided applicator stick to collect a small sample of stool, which is then placed in a collection tube or on a test card. It is important to avoid contaminating the sample with urine or toilet water.