What is a Fecal Occult Blood Test

As many as 50,000 people die in the US on account of colorectal cancer each year. As a preventive measure, it is important to perform initial screening processes to determine colorectal cancer. To do this, a special blood test is performed called fecal occult blood test. So, what is a fecal occult blood test? It is a test performed to determine the presence of microscopic traces of blood within the feces. The presence of blood in stools could be a symptom of cancer, a polyp or benign growth within the rectum or colon.

Causes for Presence of Blood

Blood traces can be present in feces because of a variety of reasons. Some common conditions include malignant or benign polyps or growths in the colon, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, intestinal infections, Crohn’s disease, ulcers, diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, blood vessel abnormalities within the colon and so many more. Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract could be in the form of occult or microscopic blood, or red blood, which is easily identified. Sometimes, bowel movements could resemble black tar, and this condition is called melena. To the question as to what is a fecal occult blood test and how it helps with diagnosis, physicians use the test results to identify the root cause of the bleeding, and then determine suitable methods of treatment.

Reasons for Fecal Occult Blood Tests

The fecal occult blood test is performed for the prevention and detection of colon cancer. Colon cancer is highly common, and occult blood in the feces is usually the earliest symptoms of cancer. Later on, the patient might experience conditions like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and bowel habit changes. Early detection of cancer is possible with an occult blood test, thereby facilitating surgical removal of the cancer cells in the initial stages. Typically, such tests are performed as part of annual routine examinations, and recommended once a person reaches 50 years of age.

How is the Test Conducted

In terms of the procedure of a fecal occult blood test, the physician collects three different stool samples, each taken with a gap of a day. The samples are collected with a day’s interval between each session because cancers tend to exhibit bleeding intermittently as opposed to regularly. Should the individual wish to perform tests at home, there are test kits available over the counter. The samples are collected and examined. Color changes are studied using test cards, and chemical tests may be performed along with microscopic analysis.

How to Prepare

In order to get accurate readings from a fecal occult blood test, it is important to prepare the body in advance. Certain foods like broccoli, beetroot, cauliflower, mushrooms, carrots, turnips, poultry, fish, cucumbers and grapefruit are to be avoided within 48 and 72 hours before taking the test. Certain medications need to be stopped 48 hours prior to the test as well. The tests must not be performed should the individual have one or more of condition such as colitis, diarrhea, ulcers, throat irritation, period, hemorrhoid inflammation or constipation.

Finally, what is a fecal occult blood test indicative of? Typically, the results are negative but should there be a positive result, it indicates presence of blood in the stool. The physician will examine the cause of bleeding with upper endoscopy or colonoscopy, and prescribe appropriate treatment.