What does FOBT mean in LABORATORY
Fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) are non-invasive methods used to detect hidden blood in the feces, which is an indicator of possible digestive system conditions or other diseases. FOBT results can help healthcare professionals determine if further testing or treatments are needed.
FOBT meaning in Laboratory in Medical
FOBT mostly used in an acronym Laboratory in Category Medical that means fecal occult blood test(s)(ing)
Shorthand: FOBT,
Full Form: fecal occult blood test(s)(ing)
For more information of "fecal occult blood test(s)(ing)", see the section below.
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What is FOBT?
FOBT is a type of laboratory test that looks for tiny traces of blood in the stool sample. It does not require extensive preparation and can usually be done quickly and easily. If there is an abnormal, even minor amount of blood in the sample, it could indicate a serious gastrointestinal condition such as colorectal cancer or ulcerative colitis. FOBT results may alert healthcare providers to look deeper into the underlying condition causing the bleeding.
Benefits of FOBT
FOBT has many advantages over more invasive methods of testing for gastrointestinal bleeding. For example, it requires no sedation, it can be performed outside of the doctor's office, and there are no side effects such as those associated with endoscopy and colonoscopy. Additionally, FOBTs have proven to be quite effective at detecting bleeding from various forms of colorectal cancer and other digestive tract disorders when performed regularly.
Essential Questions and Answers on fecal occult blood test(s)(ing) in "MEDICAL»LABORATORY"
What is a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)?
A Fecal Occult Blood Test, or FOBT, is a test that looks for hidden (occult) blood in the stool. It is used to detect gastrointestinal health problems such as ulcers, polyps, and colorectal cancer.
Who should get an FOBT?
Anyone over 50 years of age should get an FOBT every two years to screen for colorectal cancer. Additionally, any person of any age with symptoms (pain, presence of blood in the stool, etc.) should consult their physician to determine if an FOBT is appropriate.
How does an FOBT work?
An FOBT requires the patient to collect fecal samples which are then sent to a laboratory for testing. The lab will analyze the sample for the presence of hemoglobin, which can be an indication of occult bleeding caused by certain types of illnesses or diseases.
Is an FOBT painful?
No- collecting fecal samples at home is not a painful process.
How long does it take to get results back from an FOBT?
Results typically take 3-7 days after collection and submission of fecal samples depending on lab processing times and turn-around time at the lab facility itself.
What are some possible causes for a positive result on an FOBT?
Common causes for a positive result on an FOBT include ulcers, polyps, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulosis and colorectal cancer.
What happens if my test results come back positive?
If your results come back positive after taking an FOBT it is crucial that you follow up with your physician to determine what other steps may need to be taken in order to diagnose and treat any potential issues at hand.
Are there any risks associated with having/taking an FOBT?
No- There are no known risks associated with having/taking an FOBT because it is only looking for occult (hidden) blood in the stool sample collected so no medical procedures or instruments are required. However if you experience any discomfort when collecting your stool sample please contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Final Words:
In short, FOBT is a simple, non-invasive method used to detect hidden blood in the fecal material that can provide valuable insight into underlying medical conditions or diseases related to the digestion system. Although it may not be able to diagnose any particular disease on its own, combined with other diagnostic tests it can help healthcare professionals identify serious gastrointestinal issues early on and initiate appropriate treatments before a condition worsens or becomes life threatening.
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