Stool For Occult Blood

Also known as Stool Occult Blood Test, Hemoccult Test, Guaiac Smear Test

₹139

You need to provide

Stool

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Vitamin C when taken in amounts greater than 250 mg per day has been shown to induce false negative results; Rectal medications (suppositories) and iron containing medications may also interfere with these tests and should be discontinued two days before and during the test period with the consent of the physician; For at least 2 days before and during the test period all raw meat and red meat should be avoided. Raw broccoli, cauliflower, radishes and turnips may cause false positive results, hence should be avoided.
Do not use match box or absorbant material. Patient should avoid meat products, pain killers, iron tablets, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) and hard tooth brush for 3 days prior to specimen collection.
5g (3g min.) stool in a leak-proof screw capped container.

Understanding Stool For Occult Blood

What is Stool For Occult Blood?

The Stool For Occult Blood test checks for occult (hidden) blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of gastrointestinal bleeding as seen in colorectal cancer, colon polyps, ulcers, gastric ulcers etc. It is a simple, non-invasive test that helps in the early detection and monitoring of these conditions, guiding further medical intervention and treatment.

The Stool For Occult Blood test is done to detect gastrointestinal bleeding, commonly seen in colorectal cancer, colon polyps, gastric ulcers etc. It helps detect the occult (hidden) blood in the stool, which is not visible to the naked eye. If blood is found in the stool, follow-up tests are typically needed to determine its cause.

The Stool For Occult Blood test is typically recommended as a part of routine screening in adults aged 50 and older to check for gastrointestinal bleeding,when there are unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, weight loss, anemia etc, as a follow-up testing for those with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps or to monitor individuals who have previously had colorectal cancer, had polyps or other gastrointestinal conditions.

The Stool For Occult Blood test helps identify hidden blood in the stool which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal condition, allowing for early intervention; can prompt further diagnostic procedure such as colonoscopy if occult blood is detected, helping in comprehensive evaluation and management. Also, this test is useful for monitoring individuals with a history of gastrointestinal conditions to identify any recurrence early.

Various foods, dietary supplements and medications can affect the results of the Stool For Occult Blood test. For about three days before the test, your doctor may ask you to avoid certain fruits and vegetables, including raw broccoli, cauliflower, radishes and turnips, red meat, vitamin C supplements,oral iron, pain relievers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and hard tooth brushing prior to specimen collection. Inform your doctor about all the medications or supplements that you are taking, as certain medications or compounds will render the stool specimens unsatisfactory for examination.

Lab test results may vary across laboratories. Do not self-medicate at home solely based on these test results and always consult your doctor for proper understanding of the test results. The insights from the Stool For Occult Blood test will help doctors prescribe targeted treatments.

What is Stool For Occult Blood used for?

The Stool For Occult Blood test is done:

To detect early signs of gastrointestinal bleeding in cases of colorectal cancer.
To find hidden bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract which might indicate conditions like ulcers, diverticular disease, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
To investigate the causes of unexplained anemia, weight loss or changes in bowel habits.
To monitor high risk individuals such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
To monitor recurrence of the treated colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal conditions.

What does Stool For Occult Blood measure?

The Stool For Occult Blood test measures the presence of occult (hidden) blood in the stool, which cannot be seen with naked eyes. This test helps detect small amounts of blood that may be indicative of various gastrointestinal conditions such as colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease etc. By identifying even trace amounts of blood, it can help detect bleeding within the digestive tract that may indicate a significant underlying condition warranting further investigation.

The Stool For Occult Blood test helps in the early identification of the underlying problem causing bleeding, potentially preventing the complications and improving the treatment outcome.

Interpreting Stool For Occult Blood results

Interpretations

Normal result: negative means occult blood is not present in the stool.

Positive stool occult blood test means that there is bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract asymptomatic ulcerated lesions of the GI tract, polyps, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, Colitis, and colorectal cancer. If stool for occult blood is positive, then additional tests may be required such as colonoscopy in order to detect the exact location and cause of your bleeding.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stool For Occult Blood

Frequently Asked Questions about Stool For Occult Blood

Q. What is the Stool For Occult Blood test?

The Stool For Occult Blood test is done to detect the occult (hidden) blood in the stool sample. This test helps identify potential gastrointestinal problems such as colorectal cancer, polyps, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease etc by revealing bleeding that is not visible to the naked eyes.

Q. Why is the Stool For Occult Blood test done?

The Stool For Occult Blood test is done as part of routine screening in individuals aged 50 or above to check for colorectal cancer. It is also suggested when there are unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, unexplained anemia etc., or if there are risk factors such as family history of colorectal cancer etc.

Q. Is fasting required before the Stool For Occult Blood test?

No, fasting is not required for this test. However, preparation for the test may require certain restrictions related to diet and medications to avoid false-positive results. Follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor before the test.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the Stool For Occult Blood test?

No, there is no risk associated with the Stool For Occult Blood test. It is a safe, non-invasive procedure. However, ensure proper hygiene during sample collection to avoid contamination and the risk of infection.

Q. What does it mean when your stool occult blood is positive?

The Stool For Occult Blood test is a lab test used to check stool samples for hidden (occult) blood. Occult blood in the stool may indicate gastrointestinal bleed, which needs to be further investigated for underlying causes like gastrointestinal polyp ,ulcer, cancer etc.