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There are several types of fecal occult blood tests, each with a different approach to collecting and testing stool. They include:
- Guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT). Your doctor typically gives you a test card with room for two or three samples or two or three test cards. You collect a stool sample from each of two or three bowel movements in a clean container, usually taken on consecutive days, and then use an applicator stick to apply a smear of stool to a specific area of a card. After the samples are dry, you return them to your doctor or a designated lab, by mail or in person.
- Flushable reagent pad or tissue. You can get this kit at a store without a prescription. You place the pad or tissue in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement, usually on three consecutive days. The pads change color when blood is present. You then report the changes to your doctor, usually on a mail-in form.
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Immunochemical fecal occult blood test (FOBT or FIT). The collection method for this test may depend on the manufacturer, but typically, you use a special spoon or other device to collect a sample of stool and store it in a collection container that comes with the test kit. The collection container is then returned to your doctor or a designated lab, by mail or in person.
Immunochemical testing is newer than gFOBT. It doesn't require any dietary restrictions before sample collection and testing can often be performed on a random stool sample. Immunochemical testing is also more sensitive than gFOBT.
For accurate results, it's important to return the samples promptly.
- Fecal occult blood test: The test sample. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/fecal_occult_blood/test.html. Accessed April 12, 2011.
- Fletcher RH. Tests for screening for colorectal cancer: Stool tests, radiologic imaging and endoscopy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 12, 2011.
- Labianca R, et al. Screening and diagnosis for colorectal cancer: present and future. Tumori. 2010;96:889.
- American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of cancer. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_2_3X_ACS_Cancer_Detection_Guidelines_36.asp?sitearea=PED. Accessed April 12, 2011.
- Lieberman D. Progress and Challenges in Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance. Gastroenterology. 2010;138:2115.
- Levin B, et al. Screening and surveillance for the early detection of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps, 2008: A joint guideline from the American Cancer Society, the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, and the American College of Radiology. Gastroenterology. 2008;134:1570.
- Doppler JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 8, 2011.
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