Fecal occult blood test

The fecal occult blood test is widely used in clinical medicine to check for presence of blood in the stool. The test can check for minute amounts of blood that may not be visible to the naked eye. The reason for checking for blood in the stools is because the tests may indicate the presence of colon and rectal cancers. However, the presence of blood in stools does not always signify a cancer. Other causes of blood in stools include peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids or benign polyps.

If the test is positive, it does not mean that a cancer is definitely present nor can the test tell where the bleeding is coming from. Further testing is required to determine both the site and source of bleeding. Sometimes the bleeding may be from the esophagus or stomach and different radiological or endoscopic tests are required. However, if the fecal occult blood test is present, then it is highly recommended that the individual undergoes tests to ensure that the no colon or rectal cancer is present.

The fecal occult blood test can be done at home or in any health care facility. There is no preparation required prior to the test. Today there are several kits available that can rapidly check for blood in the stools. The stool sample is obtained with an applicator stick and smeared onto a special chemically treated paper. Once a reagent is applied on to the paper, the paper will turn blue if blood is present. Individuals at home can mail in their sample paper to a lab for testing.

Besides blood, there are a variety of foods that can mimic blood in the stools. These include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, vitamin C, potatoes and horse radish. Drugs which one must be avoided prior to testing include aspirin and any blood thinners like warfarin or coumadin.

Individual who taken iron tablets may also form dark stools which mimic blood.

If the stool test is negative for blood, nothing much needs to be done and one can repeat the test in 1-2 years.

If the test is positive, then it is recommended that the physician look for both the source and site of bleeding. Individuals with blood in stools may need additional testing like colonoscopy, upper endoscopy or a barium enema to look for lesions that can cause bleeding.

The fecal blood test is relatively inexpensive and the kits costs anywhere form $10-$25. Some insurance carriers and Medicare do cover the costs of fecal blood testing.

For more information on kits to check for blood in the stools, please visit www.medexsupply.com