What is fecal occult blood test?
Definition The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is performed as part of the routine physical examination during the examination of the rectum. It is used to detect microscopic blood in the stool and is a screening tool for colorectal cancer. Purpose FOBT uses chemical indicators on stool samples to detect the presence of blood not otherwise visible. (The word “occult” in the test’s name means that the blood is hidden from view.) Blood originating from or passing through the gastrointestinal tract can signal many conditions requiring further diagnostic procedures and, possibly, medical treatment. These conditions may be benign or malignant and some of them include: • colon cancer, rectal cancer, and gastric cancers • ulcers • hemorrhoids • polyps • inflammatory bowel disease • irritations or lesions of the gastrointestinal tract caused by medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also called NSAIDs) • irritations or lesions of the gastrointestinal tract caused by stomach
