Occult blood in stool refers to the presence of blood that is not visibly apparent, usually due to small amounts of bleeding that cannot be detected by visual inspection. Fecal occult blood testing is a non-invasive screening method used to detect the presence of hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of various gastrointestinal conditions, including colon cancer.
One of the most widely used methods for detecting occult blood in stool is the immunoassay test. This test works by detecting the presence of specific proteins in the stool that are associated with blood. The immunoassay test is highly sensitive and can detect minute quantities of blood that may not be visible to the naked eye.
To perform the test, a small stool sample is collected by the patient and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The sample is then tested for the presence of blood using specific antibodies that bind to blood proteins. If blood is detected, it may indicate the presence of a bleeding gastrointestinal lesion, such as a tumor or ulcer.
The immunoassay test is a valuable tool for early detection of gastrointestinal diseases, as it can help identify patients who may benefit from further diagnostic testing or follow-up care. It is recommended for individuals over the age of 50 or those with a family history of colon cancer to undergo regular fecal occult blood testing to aid in the early detection of potential health issues.
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