What is a Fecal Occult Blood Test?

A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) looks at a sample of your stool (poop) to check for blood. Occult blood means that you can’t see it with the naked eye. And fecal means that it is in your stool.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the World. A fecal occult blood test can screen for colorectal cancer to help find the disease early when treatment may be most effective.
 

What is it used for?

A fecal occult blood test is commonly used as a screening test to help find colorectal cancer before you have symptoms. The test also has other uses. It may be done when there is concern about bleeding in the digestive tract from other conditions.

Why do I need a fecal occult blood test?

Your health care provider may order a fecal occult blood test if you have symptoms of a condition that could involve bleeding in your digestive tract. Or you may have the test to screen for colorectal cancer when you don’t have any symptoms