Fecal occult testing, also known as fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), is a diagnostic procedure used to detect the presence of unseen blood in the stool. This type of testing is important in the early detection of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders. The presence of blood in the stool may indicate the presence of bleeding in the digestive tract, which can be indicative of various diseases and conditions such as ulcers, hemorrhoids, polyps, or colorectal cancer. However, this blood may not be visible to the naked eye, making it necessary to use specialized tests to detect it. Fecal occult testing is a non-invasive and relatively simple procedure that can be done at home or in a healthcare setting. The most common method used for fecal occult testing is the guaiac-based test, which involves collecting a small stool sample on a specific test card.
For some tests, you put a special pad or tissue from the kit into the toilet and tell your doctor if it changes color.
If the results show that there is blood whether you can see it or not , it s important for your doctor to find the source of bleeding to diagnose and treat the problem. The stool samples are collected in a clean container and evaluated by detecting color changes on a test card, or by sending the samples, in a special container and envelope, directly to the doctor s office for analysis.
The most common method used for fecal occult testing is the guaiac-based test, which involves collecting a small stool sample on a specific test card. The test card contains a chemical called guaiac, which reacts with the heme component of blood, causing a color change. The sample is placed on the test card, and a developer solution is applied to initiate the reaction.
How to Do a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
This information will teach you how to collect stool (poop) samples at home for your fecal occult blood test (FOBT).
If there is blood in the stool, a blue color will appear on the test card, indicating a positive result. Fecal occult testing can also be done using fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), which is a newer and more sensitive method. FIT detects the presence of human hemoglobin, specifically, which is more specific to bleeding in the lower digestive tract. This test also involves collecting a stool sample, but the analysis is done using antibodies that bind to human hemoglobin. Both guaiac-based and FIT tests have shown to be effective in detecting bleeding in the digestive tract. However, FIT is generally more sensitive and specific, and it is recommended for routine colorectal cancer screening. Fecal occult testing is a valuable tool in the early detection of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders. It is a non-invasive procedure that can be easily performed, and it plays a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring these conditions. Regular screening for occult blood in the stool can help identify abnormalities at an earlier stage when treatment is generally more successful..
Reviews for "Exploring new biomarkers for fecal occult testing: advancing the field of colorectal cancer screenings"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I recently had a fecal occult test done and it was a terrible experience. The whole process felt unhygienic and uncomfortable. The instructions given were confusing and I ended up having to contact the lab multiple times for clarification. When it came time to collect the samples, the supplies provided were flimsy and difficult to use. It was a messy and unpleasant task. Overall, I was extremely disappointed in the fecal occult testing process and would not recommend it to anyone.
2. John - 2 stars
I had to undergo a fecal occult test due to some health concerns, and I was not impressed with the experience. The process was time-consuming and tedious. The instructions provided were not clear and I had to rely on online resources to understand what I needed to do. The collection kit itself was poorly designed and made the whole process messier than it needed to be. Additionally, the results took longer than expected to come back, causing me unnecessary anxiety. Overall, I found the fecal occult testing to be a frustrating and unpleasant ordeal.
3. Lisa - 1 star
I had a fecal occult test done recently and it was a complete waste of time and money. The process itself was gross and unappealing. The instructions were difficult to understand and the collection materials provided were of poor quality. I found the entire experience to be unprofessional and unsanitary. Furthermore, the results took way longer than expected to come back, leaving me in a state of anxiety. I would not recommend fecal occult testing to anyone based on my negative experience.