FECAL OCCULT BLOOD TEST

TYPES

• Guaiac smear method (gFOBT) – The procedure for this test may depend on the manufacturer. Usually, to collect a stool sample and store it in a collection jar that comes with the test kit, you use a special spoon or another unit. 

The stool collection is then returned, by mail or in person, to your doctor or a designated laboratory.

• Immunochemical method (iFOBT or FIT) – Usually, the doctor gives you test cards used to gather stool samples from various bowel movements for this test. 

In a clean tube, you extract a stool sample from each of two or three bowel movements, typically taken on consecutive days, and then use an applicator stick to apply a stool smear to a particular area of a card. You, then return the samples to your doctor or a designated laboratory, by mail or in person.

• Flushable reagent pad or tissue – Without a prescription, you can get this package at a supermarket. After a bowel movement, usually on three consecutive days, you put the pad or tissue in the toilet bowl. When blood is present, or the pads change color, immediately report the changes to your doctor, usually via email. Always follow the instructions for specific or more accurate results and return the samples promptly.

SYMPTOMS

Anemia is the most frequent lead for fecal occult blood tests, concerns for gastrointestinal bleeding, and colon cancer screening. It is also used to help differentiate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), resulting in a positive test result. 

DIAGNOSIS

There may be occult fecal blood secondary to many origins that are shown in some of the FOBT results, several of which are; Adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal metastasis, lymphoma, and leiomyosarcoma are also neoplastic triggers. Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and diverticular bleeding are also inflammatory causes. Angiodysplasia, venous ectasia, variceal bleeding, hemangioma, gastric antral vascular ectasia, and Dieulafoy’s lesion are vascular triggers. Salmonella, enteroinvasive and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Shigella, Neisseria, Yersinia, tuberculosis, Campylobacter, and Strongyloides, are all infectious causes.

TREATMENT

The fecal occult blood test can’t pinpoint the exact cause of the bleeding, leading to more tests to know what kind of treatment is needed. It is not recommended if the patient has colon cancer symptoms; it is only an option if the patient has an average risk of any bowel diseases. If the patient notices that there is blood in their stool or experience abdominal soreness or a change in their bowel patterns, they should make an appointment with their doctor. The FOBT is usually taken every year.