Fecal Occult Blood Testing Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Fecal Occult Blood Testing?

Fecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT) is a medical test used to detect hidden blood in a person’s stool. This test can be used to identify gastrointestinal disorders, including colorectal cancer. The FOBT looks for small amounts of blood that cannot be seen with the naked eye. It tests the feces for the presence of human hemoglobin, which is only found in blood. The patient will provide a sample of their stool during this procedure, and then it is tested for any traces of blood cells. If positive results are obtained, it could indicate the presence of disease or condition such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis (UC), or diverticulosis. FOBT is extremely important because it can potentially save lives by detecting colorectal cancer before symptoms have begun to appear. Early detection increases survival rates and decreases mortality from the disease significantly. Additionally, FOBT can also help to diagnose other conditions such as IBD and UC so patients are able to receive proper treatment early on and avoid further complications down the line.