The Hem Occult Blood Test is a medical procedure used to detect the presence of blood in the stool. This test is often used as a screening tool for colon cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders. The main idea in this procedure is to detect hidden blood, or occult blood, that may not be visible to the naked eye. The test works by collecting a small sample of stool, which is then analyzed for the presence of blood. The presence of blood in the stool can indicate various conditions, including colorectal cancer, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, and hemorrhoids. By detecting blood in the stool, the Hem Occult Blood Test can serve as an early warning sign for these conditions, allowing for prompt medical intervention and treatment.
Schwartz S, Dahl J, Ellefson, M et al. The HemoQuant test: a specific and quantitative determination of heme (hemoglobin) in feces and other materials. Clin Chem. 1983; 29 :2061–67. [PubMed : 6640900 ]
Flexible sigmoidoscopy or rigid proctoscopy alone are satisfactory as complementary tests with Hemoccult in screening programs but are inadequate for further evaluation of a Hemoccult-positive stool because over one-third of colonic neoplasms are proximal to the rectosigmoid. Thus, blood released into the gastrointestinal tract can be detected as hemoglobin 51 Cr-labeled red cells, immunoassay , hematin peroxidase activity , porphyrins fluorescence , or globin immunoassay.
By detecting blood in the stool, the Hem Occult Blood Test can serve as an early warning sign for these conditions, allowing for prompt medical intervention and treatment. The Hem Occult Blood Test is typically done at home using a kit provided by a healthcare provider. The kit includes a special collection paper or card that is used to collect a small sample of stool.
Occult Blood, Fecal, Immunoassay (ColoFIT™)
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Related Information
- Routine Microbiology
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The sample is then sent back to the healthcare provider, who performs a chemical analysis to detect the presence of blood. It is important to note that a positive Hem Occult Blood Test does not necessarily mean that a person has cancer or another serious condition. There are many reasons why blood may be present in the stool, including minor injuries, infections, or certain medications. However, a positive test result may warrant further testing, such as a colonoscopy, to determine the cause of the bleeding. In summary, the Hem Occult Blood Test is a valuable screening tool for detecting hidden blood in the stool. By identifying the presence of blood, this test can help healthcare providers diagnose and treat various gastrointestinal conditions, including colon cancer..
Reviews for "Hem Occult Blood Testing: The Advantages and Disadvantages for Patients"
1. John - 2 stars: I was not happy with the Hem occult blood test at all. The instructions were not clear and I had trouble understanding how to use it properly. The test also gave me inconsistent results, which made it difficult to trust its accuracy. Overall, it was a frustrating experience and I would not recommend it.
2. Sarah - 1 star: I had a terrible experience with the Hem occult blood test. Not only did it provide false positive results, but it also caused me a lot of unnecessary stress and worry. I ended up having to undergo further testing to confirm that I did not have any bleeding issues. It was a waste of time and money, and I would not recommend this test to anyone.
3. David - 2 stars: The Hem occult blood test was disappointing to say the least. The kit was poorly designed and the test strip was difficult to handle. I found it hard to get a clear result and ended up wasting multiple strips trying to get an accurate reading. In the end, it just wasn't worth the hassle and I would not use this test again.
4. Emily - 1 star: I had high hopes for the Hem occult blood test, but it did not live up to expectations. The test was difficult to perform and the results were not clear. I also found it hard to interpret the results, as they were not presented in a user-friendly format. Overall, it was a frustrating experience and I would not recommend this test to others.