Laboratory Services

Occult Blood, FIT, stool

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Occult Blood, FIT, stool
Synonym(s)

RBC Stool, Blood Stool, Fecal Occult Blood, FIT, Fecal Immunochemical Test, Colon Cancer Screen

Test ID
IFOBT
General Information

Qualitative detection of fecal occult blood

Specimen Type

Stool

Specimen Requirements

Stool specimen collected with iFOB collection kit

Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions

Collect stool specimen with iFOB collection kit. Will also accept fresh stool in clean airtight container.

Additional Processing Details

Test verified for stool specimens only. Do not allow fecal specimen to contact toilet water until after the sample has been collected. Do not urinate on fecal specimen or Collection Paper.

Stability

Stool in iFOB collection kit:
Ambient: 8 days
Refrigerated: 6 months
Frozen: 2 years

Stool in sterile container:
Ambient: 2 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: 2 years

Unacceptable Specimen Conditions

Unacceptable specimen transport device, improper labeling, specimens collected by colonoscopy, washes or aspirates

Limitations

This test is intended only for the detection of human hemoglobin in fecal specimens. It is not for use in testing urine, gastric specimens, or other bodily fluids. Results cannot be considered conclusive evidence of the presence or absence of gastrointestinal bleeding or pathology. This test is designed for preliminary screening. A positive result should be followed up with additional diagnostic procedures, such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, to determine the exact cause and source of the occult blood in the feces. A negative result can be obtained even when a gastrointestinal disorder is present. For example, some polyps and colorectal cancers may bleed intermittently or not at all during certain stages of disease. False-negative results may occur when occult blood is not uniformly distributed throughout the stool. Repeat testing is recommended if a pathological condition is suspected. Urine and excessive dilution of specimens with water from the toilet bowl may cause erroneous results. For best results, use the collection paper in the collection kit.

Methodology

Immunoassay

Estimated TAT

1-2 days

Testing Schedule

Monday-Saturday

CPT Code(s)

82274

Reference Range

Negative. Fecal occult blood not detected.

Reflex Conditions

None

Performing Lab

Incyte Diagnostics

LOINC Code(s)

57803-9

Additional Information

Patients with menstrual bleeding, bleeding hemorrhoids, constipation bleeding, and urinary bleeding should not be considered for testing as these conditions may interfere with test results. These patients may be considered for testing after such bleeding ceases. Alcohol and certain medications, such as aspirin, indomethacin, reserpine, phenylbutazone, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may cause gastrointestinal irritation and subsequent bleeding in some patients.