Table of Contents
What is a Hematest?
♦ Two common screening tests: Hematest (an orthotolidine reagent tablet) and the Hemoccult slide (filter paper impregnated with guaiac) ♦ Easily performed on collected specimens or smears from a digital rectal examination. ♦ A blue reaction in a fecal smear if occult blood loss exceeds 5 ml in 24 hours.
What is a FOBT immunoassay test?
(IH-myoo-noh-A-say FEE-kul uh-KULT …) A test that checks for occult (hidden) blood in the stool. A small sample of stool is placed in a special collection tube or on a special card for testing. The test uses an antibody that binds to a blood protein called hemoglobin to detect any blood.
What does a positive occult blood test indicate?
Overview. The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a lab test used to check stool samples for hidden (occult) blood. Occult blood in the stool may indicate colon cancer or polyps in the colon or rectum — though not all cancers or polyps bleed.
What does occult blood stool immunoassay negative mean?
A negative test result means that no blood was found in the stool sample during the testing period. You should continue to follow your doctor’s recommendations for regular screening.
What immunoassay means?
Listen to pronunciation. (IH-myoo-noh-A-say) A test that uses the binding of antibodies to antigens to identify and measure certain substances. Immunoassays may be used to diagnose disease.
How can I stop blood in my stool?
Home Remedies for Rectal Bleeding
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day.
- Bathe or shower daily to cleanse the skin around the anus.
- Decrease straining with bowel movements.
- Increase fiber in the diet with supplements such as Metamucil, Benefiber, or foods such as prunes.
- Avoid sitting on the toilet too long.
Can lack of water cause blood in stool?
There are several likely causes of mild rectal bleeding that does not require treatment, such as temporary constipation or hemorrhoids, as well as dehydration, which can result in hard stools that injure the anus or rectum while passing. In most cases, the bleeding stops once the underlying cause has been resolved.
What does a Hematest positive mean?
What is a Hematest? When testing stool for occult blood, if the stool is hematest positive, it indicates occult blood. Note that a false-positive finding may occur if the person has ingested significant amounts of red meat within 3 days of the test.
What is the difference between Hemoccult and Hematest?
The Hemoccult methods had 65% and 50% false-positive reactions while the Hematest had 25% and 65% false-positive reactions after ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate, respectively. In vitro testing confirmed that ferrous compounds caused a false-positive Hemoccult slide reaction.
What does a positive Hemoccult test mean?
The hemoccult test is qualitative and not quantitative. That means that it only detects whether or not there is occult blood present in your stool, not the actual amount. If you have a positive result, you’ll need further testing, such as a colonoscopy.
Do ferrous compounds cause false-positive Hemoccult slides?
In vitro testing confirmed that ferrous compounds caused a false-positive Hemoccult slide reaction. Previous studies of the effect of medicinal iron on occult blood tests are reviewed.