Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)Test Overview
A fecal occult blood (FOBT) test
finds blood in the stool by placing a small sample of stool on a chemically
treated card, pad, or cloth wipe. Then a special chemical solution is put on
top of the sample. If the card, pad, or cloth turns blue, there is blood in the
stool sample. An FOBT may be done to check for some intestinal
conditions or
colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer affects the large
intestine (colon  ) and the
rectum. Blood in the stool may be the only symptom of
colorectal cancer, but not all blood in the stool is caused by cancer. Other
conditions that can cause blood in the stool include: - Hemorrhoids.
These are enlarged, swollen veins in the anus. Hemorrhoids can develop inside
the anus (internal hemorrhoids) or outside of the anus (external
hemorrhoids).
- Anal fissures. These are thin tears in
the tissue that lines the anus (anal sphincters) up into the anal
canal.
- Colon polyps. These growths of tissue often look like
a stem or stalk with a round top that is attached to the
colon.
- Peptic ulcers. These craterlike sores
develop when the digestive juices made in the stomach eat away the lining of
the digestive tract.
- Ulcerative colitis. This type of
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes inflammation and craterlike sores
(ulcers) in the inner lining of the colon and rectum.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is the
abnormal backflow (reflux) of food, stomach acid, and other digestive juices
into the esophagus.
- Crohn's disease. This type of inflammatory bowel disease causes inflammation and
ulcers that may affect the deep layers of the lining of the digestive
tract.
- Use of aspirin or
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
A fecal occult blood test may be used to check for
colorectal cancer, but it is never used to diagnose this condition. Other tests
for colorectal cancer include a
digital rectal examination,
barium enema, flexible
sigmoidoscopy,
colonoscopy, or
CT scan (virtual colonoscopy). Checking
for hidden (occult) blood in the stool can be done at home. You can buy a test
kit at a pharmacy without a prescription, or your health professional can order
a test kit for you to use at home. If a home fecal occult blood test finds
blood in your stool, call your health professional. For more
information on tests for colorectal cancer, see:  Which test should I have to screen for colorectal cancer?
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