Health examinations
糞便潛血反應 Stool Occuld Blood
Stool Occult Blood Test (FOBT): Screening for Digestive Health

*The stool occult blood test detects hidden traces of blood in feces, commonly used to screen for gastrointestinal bleeding, early colorectal cancer, or other gastrointestinal conditions.

*Normal Range
Normal Value: Negative (no blood detected) or <100ng/mL.
Positive Result: Indicates potential gastrointestinal bleeding and requires further investigation.

*Causes of Positive Stool Occult Blood
-Gastrointestinal Diseases: Gastric or Duodenal Ulcers: Stomach acid eroding blood vessels leads to microbleeding.
-Intestinal Tumors: Such as colorectal cancer or polyps.
-Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
-Hemorrhoids or Anal Fissures: Localized bleeding, often visible in stool.
-Infectious Colitis: Bacterial or viral infections damaging intestinal mucosa.
-Dietary and Medication Influences: Iron-rich foods, red meat, or certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs) may cause false positives.

*Clinical Significance
-Positive Result:
Suggests microbleeding in the digestive tract. Further tests such as colonoscopy, endoscopy, or imaging are needed.
-Negative Result:
Excludes most bleeding but does not completely rule out intermittent or minimal bleeding.

*How to Maintain a Normal Stool Occult Blood Test?
-Healthy Diet:
Consume high-fiber foods to promote bowel movement and reduce constipation and intestinal damage.
-Avoid Gastrointestinal Irritants:
Limit alcohol, spicy foods, and NSAID use to prevent mucosal injury.
-Regular Screening:
Individuals over 50 or with a family history of colorectal cancer should undergo regular FOBT and gastrointestinal checkups.
-Address Symptoms Early:
Seek medical attention for symptoms like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or persistent indigestion.

*Conclusion
The stool occult blood test is a crucial marker for digestive health. A positive result may indicate bleeding or gastrointestinal issues and warrants further examination. Adopting healthy dietary habits and undergoing regular screenings can help detect and address potential problems early, ensuring better gastrointestinal health.