FOBT stands for Fecal Occult Blood Test. It is a medical test used to detect hidden blood in the stool. The test is designed to identify small amounts of blood that may not be visible to the naked eye but can be an indication of various gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer, polyps, or other sources of bleeding in the digestive tract. FOBT is typically conducted by collecting a small stool sample, which is then analyzed in a laboratory for the presence of occult (hidden) blood. The test can be done using different methods, such as guaiac-based FOBT (gFOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT). FOBT is a screening tool and is often recommended as part of routine colon cancer screening protocols.
To perform an FOBT (Fecal Occult Blood Test), the following items are typically needed:
Test kit: An FOBT test kit contains the necessary materials for collecting and preparing the stool sample for analysis. The kit can be obtained from a healthcare provider or a laboratory.
Collection container: The FOBT kit includes a container or a set of containers in which the stool sample is collected. These containers are usually provided with a spoon or a brush for collecting the sample.
Collection paper or card: Some FOBT kits may include a specific type of collection paper or card that is designed to absorb the stool sample and preserve it for analysis.
Instructions: The FOBT kit will come with detailed instructions on how to collect the stool sample properly. It is important to carefully read and follow these instructions to ensure accurate results.
Personal protective equipment (optional): It may be recommended to wear gloves during the collection process to maintain hygiene and prevent any potential contamination.
Access to a toilet: Access to a clean toilet or bathroom is needed for collecting the stool sample.