The heme occult test (HOT) is a diagnostic screening test that is used to detect the presence of occult blood in the stool. Occult blood refers to the presence of blood that is not visible to the naked eye. It is an important test because it can help identify various gastrointestinal conditions such as colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal bleeding, and inflammatory bowel disease. The heme occult test works by detecting the presence of heme, a component of hemoglobin, which is the oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells. When there is bleeding in the digestive tract, small amounts of blood may be present in the stool. The heme occult test can detect these small amounts of blood, even if it is not visible.
If you’re unsure what your risk level is, your healthcare provider can help you figure out how often you should get screened.
If you have certain symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fatigue, pain around your rectum or rectal bleeding, your healthcare provider may recommend a fecal occult blood test. Absence of detection of a genetic alteration with this assay implies that it is not identified within the detection limit of the assay and does not necessarily rule out its absence in the specimen.
The heme occult test can detect these small amounts of blood, even if it is not visible. There are different methods used to perform the heme occult test. One method is the guaiac-based test, which involves adding a reagent to the stool sample that reacts with the heme in the blood.
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
You can have blood in your stool and not be able to see it. A fecal occult blood test is an at-home screening used to find the tiniest traces of blood in stool, which is a sign that something is wrong in your digestive tract. FOBT is often used for colorectal cancer screening, but a positive FOBT result on its own isn’t a cancer diagnosis.
If there is the presence of heme, a blue color will develop. Another method is the immunochemical test, which uses antibodies to specifically detect the presence of human hemoglobin. This test is more sensitive and specific compared to the guaiac-based test. The heme occult test is typically performed at home using a test kit and is relatively simple to carry out. The stool sample is collected using a special collection device provided in the kit. The kit also includes instructions on how to perform the test and interpret the results. The collected sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results of the heme occult test can be positive or negative. A positive result indicates the presence of occult blood in the stool and may suggest underlying gastrointestinal conditions. However, it is important to note that a positive result does not necessarily mean that there is a serious condition present. It could be due to other factors such as hemorrhoids, ulcers, or even certain medications. Therefore, further diagnostic tests are often required to determine the cause of the positive result. On the other hand, a negative result indicates the absence of occult blood in the stool. However, it does not completely rule out the possibility of gastrointestinal conditions. In some cases, the bleeding may be intermittent or located in a part of the digestive tract that is not sampled by the test. In conclusion, the heme occult test is a valuable screening tool for detecting the presence of occult blood in the stool. It can help identify various gastrointestinal conditions and prompt further diagnostic evaluations. A careful interpretation of the test results, in combination with other clinical findings, is essential for accurate diagnosis and management of patients..
Reviews for "Heme occult test versus fecal immunochemical test: which is more accurate for colorectal cancer screening?"
1. Emily - 1 star
I found the heme occult test to be completely useless. The instructions were confusing, and the test itself was difficult to perform. After wasting my time trying to get an accurate result, I ended up with inconclusive findings. I wish there was a better and more user-friendly option available.
2. James - 2 stars
I was disappointed with the heme occult test. It claimed to detect hidden blood in stool samples, but it was unable to provide accurate results. I followed the instructions meticulously, but the test failed to detect any blood in my sample. This test is unreliable and a waste of money.
3. Sarah - 1 star
The heme occult test was a complete letdown. It was difficult to interpret the results, and I was constantly questioning whether I had done the test correctly. Even after multiple attempts, the results were inconsistent and inconclusive. I would not recommend this test to anyone looking for reliable and accurate results.
4. Michael - 2 stars
I found the heme occult test to be quite frustrating. The kit was poorly designed, and the instructions were unclear. It took me several tries to get a result, and by the time I did, I had lost confidence in its accuracy. I believe there are better alternatives available in the market.
5. Jessica - 1 star
I regret purchasing the heme occult test. It was a complete waste of time and money. The test was difficult to navigate, and the results were not clear. I expected a higher level of accuracy, but this test failed to deliver. I will be looking for other options for my future testing needs.