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Description:
The Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is a screening test used to detect hidden (occult) blood in stool samples, which may indicate gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding from conditions like colorectal cancer, polyps, ulcers, or hemorrhoids.
Key Points:
Detects small amounts of blood in stool that are not visible to the naked eye.
A positive result may indicate GI bleeding, requiring further tests (e.g., colonoscopy) to determine the cause.
A negative result suggests no detectable bleeding, but regular screening is recommended for high-risk individuals.
Used for colorectal cancer screening and diagnosing digestive tract disorders.
Available in two main types:
Guaiac-based FOBT (gFOBT) – Uses a chemical reaction to detect blood.
Immunochemical FOBT (iFOBT/FIT) – Uses antibodies to detect human hemoglobin, with higher specificity.
Importance:
Early detection of hidden bleeding can help diagnose and prevent serious GI conditions, including colorectal cancer, at an early stage.
