Stool Occult Blood Test For Digestive System

The stool occult blood test is used to look for the presence of microscopic blood in the feces, which may be a sign of a problem in your digestive system. Occult blood is the blood that you can’t see by looking at your stool. There are many reasons you may have blood in your stool. 

Stool Occult Blood Test

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

Stool Occult Blood Test Means

Stool Occult Blood Test is a diagnostic test used to detect the presence of hidden or occult blood in the stool.

• It is a non-invasive test that helps identify gastrointestinal bleeding that may not be visible to the naked eye.
• The test is primarily used to screen for colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders that can cause bleeding in the digestive tract.
• The presence of occult blood in the stool may indicate various conditions such as ulcers, polyps - abnormal growths on the lining of the colon or rectum, hemorrhoids - swollen veins in your anus or rectum, Ulcers - sores in the lining of the digestive tract, colotis - a type of inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer - a type of cancer that starts in colon or rectum.

Stool Occult Blood Test Purpose

Here are the purposes of the Stool Occult Blood Test.

• The Stool Occult Blood Test is primarily used as a screening tool for colorectal cancer.
• It helps to detect small amounts of blood in the stool that may not be visible to the naked eye, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal conditions.
• The test is also used to evaluate patients with symptoms such as unexplained anemia, gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits.
• It can aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of various gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, and gastrointestinal polyps.
• The Stool Occult Blood Test is a non-invasive and cost-effective method for assessing gastrointestinal health and identifying potential abnormalities.

Stool Occult Blood Test Preparation

Here are the preparations for the Stool Occult Blood Test.

Before Test

• Follow any dietary restrictions or guidelines provided by your healthcare provider, which may include avoiding certain foods or medications that can affect the test results.
• Collect a clean stool sample using a provided collection container or kit, following the instructions given to you.
• Ensure that the sample does not contain urine or toilet paper.

During Test

• Follow the instructions provided for collecting the stool sample.
• Handle the sample carefully to avoid contamination.
• Label the sample container with your personal information and ensure it is properly sealed.

After Test

• Return the collected sample to the designated laboratory or healthcare facility as instructed.
• If the sample collection is done at home, follow the instructions for storage and transportation provided by the healthcare provider.
• Wait for the test results to be communicated to you by your healthcare provider.

Stool Occult Blood Test Procedure

Here is the basic procedure for Stool Occult Blood Test.

• The patient will be provided with a collection kit containing a container and instructions.
• The collection container should be used to collect a small sample of stool.
• It is important to avoid any urine or water contamination during the collection process.
• The sample should be securely sealed in the container and labeled with the patient's information.
• The container should be submitted to the laboratory as soon as possible for analysis.
• The laboratory will perform a chemical test to detect the presence of occult (hidden) blood in the stool sample.
• The results will be interpreted by the healthcare provider to determine if further investigation is necessary.

Stool Occult Blood Test Result

Stool Occult Blood Test Report

Stool Occult Blood Test Report PDF

Stool Occult Blood Test Normal Range

The Stool Occult Blood Test does not have a specific normal range.

• The test result is usually reported as either positive or negative for the presence of occult (hidden) blood in the stool.
• A positive result indicates the presence of blood, while a negative result indicates the absence of blood.
• It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for further interpretation of the test results and appropriate follow-up.

Stool Occult Blood Test Interpretations

Here is an example of how the interpretations of Stool Occult Blood Test results could be presented in a table format:

Stool Occult Blood Test  Positive Result

Here is an example of how the potential causes of a positive result in the Stool Occult Blood Test.

Stool Occult Blood Test  Negative Result

Here is an example of how the potential causes of a negative result in the Stool Occult Blood Test.

Stool Occult Blood Test is Safe?

The stool occult blood test is a safe procedure with minimal risks.

• It is a non-invasive test that does not cause any discomfort or pain.
• There are no known side effects or complications associated with the stool occult blood test.

When Do You Get Stool Occult Blood Test Results?

Stool occult blood test results are typically available within a 2 hours.

• The exact turnaround time may vary depending on the laboratory and healthcare facility.
• The healthcare provider will notify the patient of the test results either in person or through follow-up communication.
• If the test results indicate the presence of occult blood in the stool, further diagnostic tests or evaluations may be recommended.

Stool Occult Blood Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the Stool Occult Blood Test.

• Limited sensitivity for detecting small amounts of blood.
• Interference from certain foods and medications
• Not a definitive diagnostic test for gastrointestinal conditions.
• Potential for false-positive results due to non-bleeding causes.
• Dependent on patient compliance and sample collection technique.

Stool Occult Blood Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the Stool Occult Blood Test.

• Age (50 and older)
• Family history of colorectal cancer
• Personal history of colorectal polyps or cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
• Previous radiation therapy to the pelvic area
• Chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Smoking

Doctor Recommendations After Stool Occult Blood Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after Stool Occult Blood Test.

Stool Occult Blood Test Price

Here are the estimated Stool Occult Blood Test Price in India with top different cities:

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, Stool occult blood test is a valuable screening tool to detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be indicative of various gastrointestinal conditions or diseases. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

• Fecal occult blood - Wikipedia [1].
• How to Do a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) [2].