- Test Name
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (guiac)
- Aliases
- HEMA; FOBT
- Provincial Mnemonic
- OCCBST
- LOINC Test Code
- 2335-8
- Description and Primary Use
- This test (FOBT) for occult blood in stool is a guaiac-based test that measures the heme part of hemoglobin. This method detects blood from any source, including dietary such as red meat and thereby can yield false positive results. As well, some foods and medications can interfere with this method, so dietary restrictions are critical. Since the heme part of hemoglobin is resistant to degradation, the FOBT test also detects blood from other areas of the digestive tract such as from bleeding stomach and bleeding gums. There are several possible causes of blood in stool but one important cause is presence of polps or cancers in the colon. The FOBT test is less specific than the FIT test for detection of bleeding in the colon.
- Reorder interval
- Not yet defined
- TAT
- ≤3 Days
- Test Cost
- Not Available
- Tier
- 4 - Non-formulary test (Test not available)
- Ordering Requirements (Restrictions / Conditions)
- Required Consultations
- None
- Algorithms and Guidelines
.None
- Special Patient Preparation
Submit on special hemoccult slides only
- Special Collection / Transport / Processing Requirements
No special requirement
- Criteria for Rejection
Based on specimen condition and stability
- Laboratory Service Area
- Clinical Chemistry
- Performing Laboratory / Site
- Category 4 Laboratory (HSC only)
- Last Updated
- 30-Aug-19