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Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

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Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) Lab Test Information

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Colonoscopy Lab Tests

This test is not currently being offered by YourLabTest.com. This information is provided as a public service.
Fecal occult blood testing is done to detect blood in the stool. It may be done to evaluate certain conditions or to screen for colorectal cancer, which affects the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. In the United States, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of all cancer deaths. Blood in the stool may be the only symptom of colon cancer. However, not all blood in the stool is caused by cancer. Other conditions that can cause blood in the stool include:
· Hemorrhoids.
· Anal fissures.
· Colon polyps.
· Peptic ulcers.
· Ulcerative colitis.
Although fecal occult blood testing may be used to screen for colorectal cancer, it is never used to diagnose this disease. Other screening and diagnostic tests for colon cancer include PreGen-Plus, digital rectal examination, computed tomography (CT) scan, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, and colonoscopy (which is considered the standard of care).
Checking for hidden (occult) blood in the stool can be done at home. Testing kits are available at pharmacies without a prescription, or your doctor may order a testing kit for you to use at home. However, this test has a high rate of false negatives, because the underlying condition must be bleeding at the time the stool sample is taken. If it is not bleeding, then it will not show up on the FOBT card.
For a fecal occult blood test, a small sample of stool is applied to a chemically treated card, and then a chemical developer solution is added. If the card turns blue, there is blood in the stool.

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Notes: The Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) medical lab tests provided by YourLabTest.com are performed by US certified laboratories who operate patient service centers in most cities in the United States. Once your Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) lab test specimens are taken your lab results are available in 24 to 48 hours. One of our physicians will be sending the results to you directly.