A Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is a lab test used to check for blood (occult blood) in the stool. Blood in the stool may be caused by a variety of different factors, but it is possible that one of them is a symptom of colorectal cancer.

FOBT is endorsed by The National Institutes of Health State-of-the-Science Conference as a primary test for early detection of colorectal cancer. FOBT requires samples of stool for 3 days in a row. This is necessary for increasingthe possibilityof finding blood, since bleeding may not happen every day.

Preparing for Your FOBT

Toobtain accurate FOBT results, 3 days before you begin collecting your stool samples, avoid:

• Red meat, such as beef, lamb, or liver
• Raw fruits and vegetables
• Vitamin C or any fruit juices containing vitamin C and vitamin C supplements in doses higher than 250 milligrams (mg) per day
• Antacids
• Medications to stop diarrhea
• Iron supplements

Also note that if menstruation, bleeding hemorrhoids or blood in theurine is present, talk to your doctor regarding the best time to administer the test.

Polymedco CDP, LLC is a leading manufacturer marketer, and distributor in the clinical laboratory marketplace. We are a world leader in fecal occult blood screening technology, providing the new standard of care. Call 888-638-7757.