My Little Pony is a popular franchise that has captured the hearts of both young girls and adults alike. The franchise revolves around a group of magical ponies in the land of Equestria, and their exciting adventures and friendships. One fascinating aspect of My Little Pony is the concept of computerized magic, which adds an interesting twist to the traditional magic associated with the show. In the world of My Little Pony, magic is not only a natural talent possessed by certain characters but it can also be enhanced and controlled through the use of computers. This concept of computerized magic allows the ponies to harness a greater power and perform incredible feats. The ponies utilize various technological devices, such as wands and computers, to enhance and control their magical abilities.
The ponies utilize various technological devices, such as wands and computers, to enhance and control their magical abilities. One example of computerized magic in My Little Pony is Twilight Sparkle, one of the main characters and a studious and talented unicorn pony. Twilight Sparkle is particularly skilled in using computerized magic, and she often relies on her magical abilities and knowledge of technology to solve problems and help her friends.
What is an occult blood in stool test?
Occult blood refers to small traces of blood that a person cannot see in their stool. The presence of blood in the stool could be a sign of an underlying condition. Health experts often use this test as a screening tool for the early detection of bowel cancer.
Stool samples can provide valuable information about a person’s gastrointestinal system. The presence of blood in the stool is a sign that indicates bleeding somewhere in the digestive tract. This can happen due to a variety of conditions, ranging from mild irritation to serious conditions such as colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer.
This article discusses occult blood stool tests, including their purpose, how people can prepare for it, and how to perform the test.
Share on Pinterest SDI Productions/Getty Images
Fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) describe a noninvasive lab test that checks stool samples for the presence of blood. Occult blood refers to microscopic blood that the naked eye cannot detect. Different types of fecal occult blood tests are available, which vary in their method of detecting blood.
Guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)
This test uses a chemical called alpha guaiaconic acid or guaiac to detect blood in the stool. The testing card contains guaiac. A chemical reaction occurs when blood is present in the sample, and the paper turns blue, indicating a positive result . It may be advisable for a person to perform a gFOBT test once a year after they are 45 years old or earlier if they have other risk factors for colon cancer.
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
This test uses antibodies that bind to hemoglobin in the stool sample. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that gives blood its red color. It is also advisable to perform this test once a year after the age of 45 or earlier if a person has other risk factors for colon cancer.
Stool DNA test (FIT-DNA test)
This test uses a combination of antibodies used in the FIT test and altered DNA material associated with colorectal cancer. Doctors recommend this test every 3 years after the age of 45 or earlier for people with other risk factors for colon cancer.
Health experts often use fecal occult blood tests to screen for cancer before a person shows any symptoms. The American Cancer Society recommends people with an average risk of colorectal cancer undergo screening at age 45.
However, doctors may also order this test when there is a concern for gastrointestinal bleeding caused by other conditions, such as:
FOBTs may also help find the cause of anemia. Doctors can also use these tests to identify if a person has inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) rather than irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a similar condition that does not cause bleeding and anemia.
However, a FOBT alone cannot diagnose any condition. If a person receives an irregular result, a doctor may request other tests to determine the potential cause, such as an imaging test.
Some foods and drugs may affect the results of the test. The doctor will provide specific instructions to ensure the accuracy of the test.
If possible, it is preferable for a person to avoid certain medications for up to 7 days before testing to prevent false-positive results. These can include:
- aspirin
- heparin
- warfarin
- clopidogrel
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- antacids
- iron supplements
It is also advisable for a person to avoid the following foods 3 days before testing to prevent false-positive results:
- red or rare meat
- raw fruits
- raw horseradish
- raw turnips
- cantaloupe
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- parsnips
- red radishes
False negatives can also occur in people taking more than 250 milligrams of vitamin C daily.
A person with certain conditions may consider discussing them with their healthcare professional and rearranging when to collect a sample to prevent false-positive results. This can include:
It is also essential for a person to inform the healthcare professional of any vitamins, supplements, herbs, and prescription and nonprescription drugs that they are taking.
How a person will collect and handle the stool sample depends on the type of test and the manufacturer’s instructions.
gFOBT
To perform a gFOBT, a person should collect and store their stool sample in a dry, clean container. It is important not to let urine or water mix with the stool to avoid contamination. They need to use the applicator that comes with the kit to smear a small amount of the stool on a specified area inside the testing card or place it into a tube that comes with the kit.
Depending on the instructions, a person may need to reuse the applicator brush to get a second sample from a different part of the stool to repeat the test on their next bowel movement.
The test may also require samples from 2–3 separate bowel movements. A person should then label and seal the samples as directed and transport or mail them to the laboratory for testing.
FIT
To perform a FIT, a person must first flush the toilet 2–3 times before collecting the sample. A person will then have their bowel movement as usual and should not flush the toilet.
Using a brush from the kit, a person can scrape the stool’s surface for a few seconds. After gently shaking the brush to remove excess water or clumps of stool, they can then rub the brush on the indicated space.
Some kits may require the person to apply another sample on a separate space in the testing card. Kits come with an extra brush, so they should not reuse a used applicator brush. Other kits may require someone to test more than one stool sample. Once done, they should place the appropriate labels and send the sample to the lab for testing.
FIT-DNA test
This test requires an indivual to collect an entire bowel movement in a tube that comes with the kit. A person will then send the sample and kit to a lab for analysis.
A positive fecal occult blood test means that the individual has blood in their stool. This indicates that they are bleeding somewhere in their digestive tract. Having a positive test is not a diagnosis of cancer. Other conditions, such as hemorrhoids, polyps, or IBD, can also cause bleeding. A doctor will typically recommend additional tests, such as a colonoscopy, to help them reach a diagnosis.
A negative test result means that the test did not detect blood in the sample. A doctor may then suggest a person repeats the test in a year. An unclear result may suggest that the test was faulty or that it identified a hint of blood but not enough for a positive result. A doctor will likely suggest that a person repeats the test.
A fecal occult blood test is an important tool that checks for small amounts of blood in the stool. This test can give doctors valuable information about the health of the gastrointestinal tract.
Health experts often use a fecal occult blood test to screen for colorectal cancer, but it can also detect other conditions that cause bleeding. If a person receives a positive result, they should consult their doctor for further investigation.
Last medically reviewed on September 13, 2022
- Colorectal Cancer
- Medical Devices / Diagnostics
How we reviewed this article:
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Colorectal cancer screening tests. (2022).
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/tests.htm - Early detection, diagnosis, and staging. (n.d.).
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging.html - Faecal immunochemical test. (2021).
https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/faecal-immunochemical-test - Fecal occult blood test (FOBT). (2022).
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/fecal-occult-blood-test-fobt/ - FIT-DNA fact sheet. (n.d.).
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/cancer/fit-dna-fact-sheet.pdf - How to do a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). (2020).
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/how-do-fecal-immunochemical-test-fit - How to do a fecal occult blood test (FOBT). (2022).
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/fecal-occult-blood-test - IBS vs. IBD. (n.d.).
https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ibd/ibs-vs-ibd - Kaur, K., et al. (2021). Fecal occult blood test.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537138/ - NCI dictionaries: Fecal immunochemical test. (n.d.).
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/fecal-immunochemical-test - NCI dictionaries: gFOBT. (n.d.).
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/gfobt - Understanding your FOBT results. (n.d.).
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/early-detection-and-screening/understanding-your-fobt-results
A fecal occult blood test is an important tool that checks for small amounts of blood in the stool. This test can give doctors valuable information about the health of the gastrointestinal tract.
The concept of computerized magic adds a modern and technological aspect to the traditional magic seen in other fantasy franchises. It reflects the increasing integration of technology into our everyday lives and showcases how it can be harnessed to enhance and control magical abilities. Moreover, computerized magic in My Little Pony serves as a metaphor for the importance of knowledge and skills in utilizing technology effectively. The ponies learn to combine their magical talents with their understanding of computers to create powerful spells and achieve their goals. This conveys the message that technology can be a powerful tool when used in tandem with knowledge and skills. In conclusion, computerized magic is one of the fascinating aspects of the My Little Pony franchise. It adds a unique twist to traditional magic and reflects the increasing role of technology in our lives. The concept of computerized magic also highlights the importance of knowledge and skills in effectively using technology, showcasing the potential of combining magic and technology for incredible outcomes..
Reviews for "The Evolutionary Journey of Computerized Magic in My Little Pony"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "My Little Pony Computerized Magic". The animation felt cheap and the storyline was incredibly predictable. The whole concept of computerizing the ponies felt forced and didn't add anything to the show. It's just not the magical and enjoyable experience that I had hoped for.
2. Mike - 1 star - This show was a complete letdown. The computerized magic gimmick was poorly executed and the characters lacked depth. The writing was lazy and filled with clichés. Overall, it's a mindless and forgettable series that fails to capture the charm of the original "My Little Pony" franchise.
3. Jessica - 2 stars - I was really excited to watch "My Little Pony Computerized Magic", but it fell short of my expectations. The animation appeared stiff and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The plot was uninspired and the dialogue felt forced. It's a forgettable addition to the "My Little Pony" universe and doesn't live up to its predecessors.
4. Mark - 1 star - "My Little Pony Computerized Magic" is a disaster. The computerized animation looks dated and lacks the charm of traditional hand-drawn animation. The characters are one-dimensional and the storyline is predictable. It's a shame to see such a beloved franchise reduced to this mediocre and unengaging show.
5. Emily - 2 stars - I wanted to like "My Little Pony Computerized Magic", but it just didn't click with me. The computerized animation felt jarring and took away from the magic of the original series. The plot was shallow and the overall execution felt rushed. It's a forgettable addition to the "My Little Pony" universe that left me disappointed.