Stool Occult Blood

The Stool Occult Blood Test detects hidden blood in the faeces of the patient. This is a very useful test as a screening examination of gastroenterological ailments and especially for colorectal cancer. The test is based on the principle that the faeces should be screened for haemoglobin.

The Stool Occult Blood Test identifies the presence of haemoglobin in stool which is used to measure the blood volume level within the stool. The test is intended to be used to look for blood that is not easily seen.

The Stool Occult Blood Sample is taken as a screening test for colon cancer when patients are aged above 50 years. It may also be taken by persons who are already suffering from abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, and other related symptoms.

The Stool Alter Blood Test is a medical procedure that is relatively harmless and non-experimental. However, careful consideration of its shortcomings is still demanded. Some of these include:

• A false positive may result in unnecessary colonoscopy or other tests.
• A false negative may result in a delayed diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Certain types of foods such as beets, radishes, and horseradish can yield skewed results with these tests.

The stool’s occult blood test outlines the test carried out, which is aimed at detecting the haemoglobin content in the stool. This can also be affected by number of other things such as:

• Blood coming from colon cancer or blood coming from destroyed polyps
• Other sources include bleeding from haemorrhoids and even menstruation
• Some medications like, which are meant to reduce pain. These are aspirin and ibuprofen.
• I.B.D.: Inflammatory bowel Disease, for example, Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis

The Stool Occult Blood Test is designed for patients above the age of 50 or anyone who has a higher chance of developing colorectal cancer. This includes people who:

• have a family history of colon cancer or polyps
• have suffered from colon cancer or polyps
• have inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis.

This specific test, the Stool Occult Blood Test, was innovated to help with the early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases. With routine use of the Stool Occult Blood Test, the chances of colon cancer diagnosis and mortality rates can be avoided.

The Test can be used for diagnosis of many diseases including:

• Colorectal carcinoma
• Polyps
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis
• Gastrointestinal ulcers
• Haemorrhoid

When prepping for the Stool Occult Blood Test, it is recommended that you do the following:

• Do not eat foods like beets, radishes, etc., as it may affect the results of the test that you hope to achieve.
• Refrain from using aspirin and ibuprofen one week prior the test.
• Normal eating habits and proper bowel movements should be maintained.

Prerequisites: Nil

Eligibility: Patients above 50 years and people who are likely to develop colorectal carcinoma.

Procedure for taking the test: Using a special card or container, take a self-stool sample and post it to the laboratory for analysis.

Caution before the test: Contact your medical practitioner if you have any queries or areas of concern before the test.