Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is a screening tool used in healthcare to detect the presence of hidden or occult blood in the stool. This non-invasive test helps to identify abnormal conditions within the gastrointestinal tract that might not be otherwise evident. It works on the principle of detecting small amounts of blood that cannot be visually distinguished, a condition known as occult blood.
The test involves collecting a small sample of stool, which is then analyzed for the presence of blood using a chemical reaction. The most common method is the immunochemical FOBT, which utilizes antibodies to specifically detect human hemoglobin.
FOBT is commonly used in the early detection of colorectal cancer, as tumors or polyps in the colon may bleed slowly and intermittently, resulting in microscopic traces of blood in the stool. It can also be indicative of other gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or gastrointestinal bleeding caused by other factors.
This screening test is often recommended for individuals above a certain age or those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal disorders. A positive FOBT result may lead to further diagnostic tests, such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, to identify the exact cause of the bleeding.
By detecting occult blood in the stool, faecal occult blood test plays a crucial role in the early detection, diagnosis, and management of various gastrointestinal conditions, potentially assisting in preventing serious complications and improving patient outcomes.
