Sun Pediatrics

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

Overview

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) Screening Explained

A lab test called the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is used to examine stool samples for undetectable blood (occult blood).

What is a Fecal Occult Blood Test?

When your child has a problem with the stomach, intestines, rectum, or another area of the gastrointestinal (GI) system, a stool (feces) sample can give doctors important information about what’s happening. Determining if there is blood in the stool is one of the most popular reasons to take a sample. Bloody diarrhea is one of the many illnesses that can occasionally be brought on by hazardous bacteria or parasites. To identify the source of the issue, further testing and a microscopic examination of the stool may be required. The Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), a non-invasive procedure, is used to check the stool for blood. The test finds blood in the feces that cannot be seen with the naked eye, or blood that is hidden (occult). Any component of the digestive system, from the esophagus to the anal region, can produce blood. If a kid has experienced bleeding from the mouth, throat, or nose, blood seen in the stool may occasionally be the result of blood that was swallowed. Infants who are exclusively breastfed (EBF) are frequently affected by allergic colitis, which is frequently brought on by cow milk/soy protein consumption. Antigens removed from the diet of the mother typically cause a swift remission. A fecal occult blood test may reveal blood, in which case other tests may be required to identify the cause of the bleeding. The fecal occult blood test cannot tell what is causing the bleeding; it can only detect the presence or absence of blood.

Why Fecal Occult Blood Test is Done?

A doctor might order a fecal occult blood test to check for blood that might be present because of things like:
1. Allergies and Inflammation
2. Gastrointestinal infection caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites
3. Bleeding in the GI tract
4. Polyps
5. Allergic colitis
6. Exclusively Breastfed Babes (EFB)

How to Collect Stool Samples from Your kids

Here are some general instructions to collect a stool sample from your kids.
1. Make sure to wear latex gloves
2. If your child has diarrhea, you can use a hat-shaped plastic lid to collect the stool specimen in case of emergency bowel movement. Or you can place plastic wrap over the toilet seat. Plastic can be used to line the diaper of a toddler or infant who is not used to the toilet yet.
3. Place the stool in a container given by the doctor.
4. Make sure to bring the stool container right away to the lab once you take the sample.
5. Wash your and your kid’s hands afterward. The fecal occult blood test report is available within a day.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Your Common Questions

During your child’s first visit, our team will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including medical history review, physical examination, and any necessary screenings or vaccinations. We’ll also take the time to address any questions or concerns you may have.

We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, which recommend well-check visits at regular intervals, typically starting from infancy and continuing through adolescence. These visits are crucial for monitoring your child’s growth, development, and overall health.

If your child is sick, please contact our office to schedule a same-day sick appointment. Our team will work to accommodate your child’s needs promptly and provide the necessary care and treatment.

Yes, we offer telemedicine appointments for certain types of visits and follow-ups. Please contact our office to determine if a telemedicine appointment is suitable for your child’s needs.

You can request a prescription refill by contacting our office during regular business hours. Please provide the name of the medication, dosage, and pharmacy information. We’ll process your request as quickly as possible.

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please contact our office at least 24 hours in advance. This allows us to accommodate other patients who may need to be seen. Failure to provide timely notice may result in a missed appointment fee.

We accept most commercial insurance plans and Medicaid. However, we recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify coverage and benefits before your appointment.