The faecal occult blood (FOB) test detects small amounts of blood in your faeces, which you would not normally see or be aware of.
There are several disorders which may cause bleeding into the gut (intestine) - for example, gastric or duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis, bowel polyps and bowel (colorectal) cancer.
You obtain a sample by using a small scraper to scrape some stool off toilet tissue which you have just used after going to the toilet.
Usually two or three FOB tests are done on two or three separate stool samples, obtained on different days. This is because a bleeding disorder of the gut (intestine) may only bleed now and then.
 
Why is the faecal occult blood test done?
There are several disorders which may cause bleeding into the gut (intestine) - for example, gastric or duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis, bowel polyps and bowel (colorectal) cancer.
Any heavy bleeding into your gut would be obvious because your stools (faeces) would be bloody or a very black colour. However, sometimes there is only a trickle of blood. If you only have a small amount of blood in your stools then the stools look normal. However, the FOB test will detect the blood. So, the test may be done if you have symptoms in the tummy (abdomen) such as persistent pain. It may also be done to screen for bowel cancer before any symptoms develop.
 
Note: the FOB test can only say that you are bleeding from somewhere in the gut. It cannot tell from which part. If the test is positive then further tests will be arranged to find the source of the bleeding - usually, endoscopy and/or colonoscopy.
 
If you receive a positive result you may wish to investigate this further with your GP.
 
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
Specimens should not be collected during or within three days of a menstrual period, or if you suffer from bleeding haemorrhoids or blood in the urine.
Alcohol, aspirin and other medications taken in excess may cause gastrointestinal irritation resulting in occult bleeding. Such substances should be discontinued at least 48 hours prior to testing.
 
No dietary restrictions are necessary before using the the Bowel Health Test, as unlike guaiac assays, the accuracy of the test is not affected by your diet.
 
What’s included?
Materials Provided
Individually packed test device
Specimens dilution tube with buffer
Package insert