Why is this procedure done?
A fecal occult blood test or FOBT detects blood in your stool. You may not be able to see this blood yourself after a bowel movement. There are two kinds of tests. The fecal immunochemical test or FIT is specific for bleeding in the colon and rectum. The guaiac fecal occult blood test or gFOBT detects bleeding from anywhere in your intestines. ‚
The test is normally done when: ‚
- You are being screened or tested for colon cancer
- You have belly pain, changes in bowel movements, or have lost weight
- You have a low blood count. This is called anemia.
- You told your doctor you have blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
What will the results be?
- If the results are negative or normal, it means you do not have blood in your stool.
- If the results are positive or not normal, you have blood in your stool.
- Your doctor may order more tests to understand the cause of your bleeding.
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Foods that can affect the results of your gFOBT. These include red meats and a variety of raw fruits and vegetables, like broccoli, parsnip, and melon. You may need to avoid eating these for 3 days before your test. Ask your doctor what you should eat.
- Your family history of digestive tract cancers.
- Stopping your vitamin C supplement 3 days before starting your stool collection samples.
- Wait until the end of your period to have the test.
- Wait until hemorrhoids have stopped bleeding before you have the test.
- Avoid dental procedures 3 days before starting your stool collection samples.
What happens during the procedure?
The test may be done at home or your doctor may do the test. ‚
At home: ‚
- Your doctor will give you a kit to do the test.
- Set up the kit when you are ready to have a bowel movement.
- You will need to collect a small sample of stool. The kit may have a clean container for the stool. It may also have tissue paper or plastic wrap to collect the sample.
- Use the stick in the kit to smear a small amount of stool on the special card. Your doctor may have you collect stool more than one time.
- You will send the card for testing.
- Follow all instructions on the kit to take the stool sample.
In the doctors office: ‚
- Your doctor will do a rectal exam and collect a small amount of stool.
- This will be sent for testing.
What happens after the procedure?
Your doctor will talk to you about the test results. ‚
What care is needed at home?
You can return to your normal activities at home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
A fecal occult blood test does not cause you any harm. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/fecal-occult-blood/tab/test ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚