Stool Occult Blood Test

Stool occult blood test is a test used to detect hidden (occult) blood in the feces. It’s used as a screening tool to detect early signs of colon cancer or other gastrointestinal bleeding disorders.

Pre-test preparation for a stool occult blood test typically involves following a specific diet and medication regimen for a few days before the test. This usually includes avoiding certain foods that can cause false positive results such as red meat, broccoli, and certain medications such as aspirin.

The testing method for stool occult blood test typically involves collecting a small sample of stool and applying it to a test card or kit that is then analyzed in a lab. There are different types of stool occult blood tests available, including guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

Common symptoms that may prompt a healthcare provider to prescribe a stool occult blood test include rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits.

A positive test result for stool occult blood may indicate the presence of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which can be caused by a variety of conditions such as colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, or hemorrhoids. However, it’s important to note that other conditions such as infections or inflammatory bowel diseases can also cause a positive test result.

The reference range for stool occult blood test is typically negative. However, it’s important to note that the test is not 100% specific and can yield false positive results.

A normal value for stool occult blood test is considered to be negative. However, it’s important to note that a negative test result does not guarantee the absence of disease and other tests such as colonoscopy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
It’s also important to consult with a healthcare professional to interpret test results and to understand how they may be affected by individual factors such as diet, medications, medical history and other lab test results.