FOBT

FOBT or Fecal Occult Blood Test is a type of medical test used to check for hidden (occult) blood in the stool (feces). It is a non-invasive test that can be done at home and is used to screen for early signs of colorectal cancer.

Overview

The FOBT is a simple test that can detect small amounts of blood in the feces, which may be a sign of a gastrointestinal disorder such as colorectal cancer or a polyp. The test is often used as part of a regular cancer screening program to detect colorectal cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most effective.

Procedure

The FOBT involves collecting a small sample of feces at home using a special kit provided by a healthcare provider. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. If blood is detected in the sample, further tests may be needed to determine the cause.

Types of FOBT

There are two main types of FOBT: the guaiac-based FOBT (gFOBT) and the immunochemical FOBT (iFOBT or FIT). The gFOBT uses a chemical reaction to detect the presence of blood in the feces, while the iFOBT uses antibodies to detect human hemoglobin protein in the feces.

Risks and Limitations

While the FOBT is a useful screening tool, it is not perfect. It can sometimes give false-positive results, indicating blood in the feces when there is none, or false-negative results, failing to detect blood when it is present. It is also not able to determine the source of the blood, so further testing is often needed if blood is detected.

See Also

• Colorectal Cancer
• Cancer Screening
• Gastrointestinal Disorders