What is Occult Blood, Stool Test?

Occult blood refers to the presence of blood in the stool that cannot be seen visually by the naked eye. It is usually detected through a medical test known as a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT). This test is typically used to detect early signs of colorectal cancer or other digestive system diseases. The normal range of stool varies from person to person. However, it generally should be a medium to dark brown color. The consistency should be soft but firm, and it should be passed without strain or discomfort. The presence of occult blood is not normal. Any positive result on a FOBT indicates that blood is present in the stool, which is abnormal and requires further investigation.

An occult blood test is a procedure used to detect hidden blood in the stool. This test is essential in various situations. Some of the circumstances that necessitate an occult blood, stool test include the following:

• Screening for Colorectal Cancer: Occult blood, stool test is often required for the early detection of colorectal cancer. This cancer often causes bleeding that cannot be seen with the naked eye, hence the need for an occult blood test.

• Unexplained Anemia: If a patient presents with symptoms of anemia like tiredness, weakness, and paleness, and there is no apparent cause, a doctor may order an occult blood, stool test. This is because hidden blood loss via the gastrointestinal tract could be the cause of the anemia.

• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Symptoms such as abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or rectal bleeding may necessitate an occult blood, stool test. These symptoms could indicate a gastrointestinal problem that causes bleeding.

The occult blood, stool test is not exclusive to a particular set of individuals. However, certain people are more likely to require this test. They include:

• Older Adults: Individuals above the age of 50 are often advised to have regular occult blood, stool tests. This is because the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age.

• Individuals with a family history of Colorectal Cancer: If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you may require regular occult blood, stool tests. This is because you are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

• Individuals with certain Genetic Disorders: People with genetic disorders that raise the chances of colorectal cancer like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome, may require regular occult blood, stool tests.

The occult blood, stool test specifically measures the presence of blood in stool that cannot be seen with the naked eye. This is achieved through the following:

• Detection of Hemoglobin: The test detects the presence of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein which is present in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin in the stool is an indication of bleeding in the digestive tract.

• Quantification of Blood: Some occult blood tests can quantify the level of blood in the stool. This information can help in understanding the severity of the condition causing the bleeding.

• Identification of the Source of Bleeding: While the occult blood test cannot directly identify the source of bleeding, it can aid in narrowing down where the bleeding might be coming from based on the amount of blood detected and the patient’s symptoms.

• Occult blood refers to the detection of blood in stool. This is typically a symptom of conditions such as colon cancer, ulcers, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, or inflammatory bowel disease.

• The methodology involved in testing occult blood in stool is called a fecal occult blood test (FOBT). This test is used to check stool samples for hidden (occult) blood.

• There are two types of FOBTs: Guaiac smear method (gFOBT) and the immunochemical method (FIT).

• The gFOBT uses the chemical guaiac for identifying the presence of heme, a component of the blood protein hemoglobin. The FIT test uses antibodies for detecting human hemoglobin protein.

• These tests are both non-invasive and can be done at home. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

• Preparation for a fecal occult blood test starts a few days before the actual test. This is because certain foods and medications can affect the test results.

• It's recommended to avoid red meat, beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, radishes, turnips, and horseradish as they can cause false positive results.

• Similarly, avoid Vitamin C supplements, citrus fruits and juices as they can cause false negatives.

• Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDS should be avoided as they can cause gastrointestinal bleeding.

• On the day of the test, collect your stool sample following the instructions provided by the test kit. This often involves using a stick or a brush to obtain a small amount of stool, which is then placed on a special card or in a test tube.

• During a fecal occult blood test, you collect a stool sample at home with a kit provided by your doctor or purchased from a pharmacy.

• The sample is often collected over several bowel movements, typically over 2-3 days, to ensure accurate results.

• Once the samples are collected, they are placed in a special container and returned to the laboratory for analysis.

• In the lab, the sample is smeared on a card or mixed with a solution, then a developing chemical is added. If the card or solution becomes blue, this indicates that blood is present.

• The results of the test are then communicated back to you by your doctor. If blood is detected, further tests may be needed to determine the cause of the bleeding.

Abnormal occult blood could be due to various reasons, including:

• Peptic ulcers – Sores that form on the lining of the stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus are called peptic ulcers.

• Gastrointestinal bleeding – This could be due to a range of conditions, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticular disease, and colon polyps.

• Colorectal cancer – This is often the most serious cause of occult blood in the stool.

• Eat a balanced diet with a lot of fiber to ensure regular bowel movements.

• Stay hydrated to prevent constipation and keep your digestive system functioning properly.

• Limit the alochol intake and avoid smoking as they can irritate the digestive tract.

• Do regular physical activity to promote overall digestive health.

• Consult your doctor before you take any over-the-counter drugs as some can cause gastrointestinal bleeding.

• If the occult blood test is positive, follow-up with your healthcare provider immediately for further investigation.

• Avoid straining when you are passing feces, as this can cause hemorrhoids or fissures which can lead to bleeding.

• Monitor your stool and report any changes to your healthcare provider.

• Take prescribed medications as per your doctor's directions and follow all dietary recommendations.

• Keep up with routine screenings and check-ups to detect any potential issues early.

• Precision: All labs recognized by Bajaj Finserv Health utilize the most advanced technologies to provide the most reliable results.

• Cost-Effective: Our individual diagnostic tests and services are thoroughly inclusive and won't strain your budget.

• Home-Based Sample Collection: We provide the convenience of having your samples collected from your home at a time that suits you.

• Nationwide Availability: Our medical test services are accessible regardless of your location in the country.

• Hassle-free Payments: Opt for any of our available payment methods, be it cash or digital.