Have you used a home testing kit for a medical diagnosis?

COVID-19 RATs are an example of these types of tests but we are interested in the many others on the market.

The University of Wollongong is conducting a small study about them and we'd like to hear from you if you have used one or considered using one.

Simply complete a short survey at:
https://uow.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeodpzn8lgSsAbI

From here, we may invite you to take part in a paid interview.

For more information, contact Dr Patti Shih: pshih@uow.edu.au
 

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At a glance

Also known as

FOB; FOBT; Faecal occult blood

Why get tested?

Faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) is used to screen for bleeding from the gut/intestine, which may be an indicator of bowel cancer 

When to get tested?

FOBT is offered as a screening test for the early detection of bowel cancer in patients without symptoms of bowel cancer. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommend screening with FOBT for people from the age of 50, every 2 years. Patients with symptoms of bowel cancer should speak to their doctor regarding the most appropriate further investigations (e.g. colonsocopy)
 

Sample required?

One or more stool/faecal samples. Usually two samples less than two days apart

What is being tested?

The faecal occult blood test (FOB) checks for small amounts of blood (not visible by eye) in your stool. Normally, there will not be enough blood lost through the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) to turn an FOB positive or for you to notice it by looking. 

A positive FOB will tell your doctor that you have bleeding occurring somewhere in your gastrointestinal tract. This blood loss could be due to ulcers, diverticulosis, bleeding polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, haemorrhoids (piles), from swallowed blood due to bleeding gums or nosebleeds, or it could be due to benign or malignant tumours.

Anything that sticks out into the intestine, like a polyp or tumour, and is rubbed against by the faeces as it passes through, has the potential to bleed now and again. Often this small amount of blood is the first, and sometimes the only, symptom of early bowel cancer, making the FOB a valuable screening tool.

How is the sample collected for testing?

Older types of FOB tests (Guaiac test) required dietary restrictions prior to testing (e.g. avoidance of red meat). These tests have largely been replaced with so-called immunochemical tests. These tests are more sensitive and specific (less false positives and false negatives) than the guaiac method and do not not require dietary restrictions. Be careful to follow you doctor’s instructions or the instruction included with the collection kit.

Your doctor or laboratory will give you a collection kit. You collect a separate sample from two different stools, preferably no more than 2 -3 days apart. The FOB test kit includes an instruction sheet that should be carefully followed on how to collect and store the samples. Usually you will collect all samples then return all of them to your doctor/laboratory at the same time, or by posting them in a package provided in the kit.
 

The Test

How is it used?

The main use for the FOB test is as a screen for early bowel cancer. We reported in a November 2013 news item that FOB screening tests are highly effective in reducing bowel cancer deaths. Blood in the stool may be the only symptom of early cancer. If the cancer is detected before it metastasises (spreads to other areas), there is a greater chance it will be cured. A positive FOB test does not necessarily 'prove' that you have cancer; any positive tests should be followed up with colonoscopy.

When is it requested?

Faecal occult blood tests are offered  every 1-2 years after the age of 50 for screening for colon cancer, or as directed by your doctor. The test should be performed in patients without symptoms. Patients with symptoms of colon cancer should have more definitive investigations such as colonoscopy.

 

What does the test result mean?

The FOB test is normally negative. About 1 in 13 people have a positive test. A positive result indicates blood in the stool. This does not necessarily indicate colon cancer and may be due other sources of blood such as to haemorrhoids or bowel inflammation. A positive test must be followed up with a further test (usually colonoscopy) to determine the source of the bleeding. 

Common Questions

What kind of procedures might follow a positive FOB test?

Before or after you have an FOB test, you may have a rectal examination. A positive FOB test may be followed by:
  • Sigmoidoscopy: an examination of the rectum and lower colon (part of the intestines) with a lighted instrument to look for abnormalities, such as polyps;
  • Colonoscopy: a more thorough examination of the rectum and entire colon; and
  • A double contrast barium enema: a series of X-rays of the colon and rectum.

Should I buy and use self testing FOB kits which are available in some chemists?

The devices available in chemists detect blood in faeces using several different methods. Their sensitivity to detecting blood can vary and without the skills of either an experienced laboratory scientist or doctor, the results of these tests can be misleading. Consult your GP if you are concerned and think you need a test performed.
 

Last Review Date: October 22, 2022


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