FOBT: Faecal Occult Blood Test & Results Explained
Last updated: 13 December 2017
What is a faecal occult blood test?
A faecal occult blood (FOBT) is a simple bedside test which can also be performed in the laboratory. It uses a colour-change indicator to detect small (‘occult’) amounts of blood in the stools (faeces).
How is a FOBT performed?
An FOBT can be performed in a laboratory, or as a ‘side-room’” test in the hospital or doctor’s rooms.
It involves placing a small amount of stool in contact with a small tablet, with a drop of water.
If the tablet changes colour (usually to blue) it indicates a strong possibility of microscopic amounts of blood being present in the stool.
When would you need an FOBT?
An FOBT may be requested by your doctor if there is a suspicion of bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.
Small amounts of blood loss that are not visible in the stools can be detected by this test.
FOBTs are often performed in the setting of anaemia (low haemoglobin or blood count), especially if this is due to iron deficiency, it may point to chronic (i.e., over a long period of time) blood loss from the stomach or bowel.
FOBT results explained
FOBTs may be reported as either negative, positive or false positive.
Negative
A negative FOBT result means there is no blood in the stool, or normal.
Positive
A positive FOBT result means blood present in the stool. This caused by any condition that causes bleeding from the stomach, small intestine, or colon, as well as swallowed blood, for example from a nosebleed (epistaxis).
Typical examples include an ulcer in the stomach or duodenum, inflammation anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, or even a tumour of the colon or rectum.
False positive
A false positive FOBT result can be due to eating red meat or certain raw fruits and vegetables in the 48 hours prior to the test.
Related specialists
- General Practitioner (GP)
- General Physician
- General Surgeon
- Emergency Physician
- Gastroenterologist
- Oncologist
Related procedures
Related tests
- Full Blood Count
- Liver Function Tests
- Coagulation Profile
- Blood Group or Crossmatch
- Endoscopy of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
- Barium Enema
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Urea Breath Test for Helicobacter pylori
- Abdominal CT
Also known as
- Occult blood – faeces
Links
A: Use HealthEngine to find and book your next GP appointment. Click on the following locations to find a GP clinic in your state or territory.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
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