HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Does The Presence Of Occult Blood In Faeces Indicate?

default
Posted on Mon, 9 Feb 2015
Question: What do Occult Blood, Fecal 1A test indicate when the results are: Result: Positive Flag: Abnormal?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
thanks for the question.

This particular test looks for evidence of blood within a bowel movement or stool. The fact that this test was positive indicates that there is some type of gastrointestinal blood loss going on. This does not always mean there is an emergency. Very often hemorrhoids can cause a positive fecal occult blood test.

if a patient has anemia and a positive fecal occult blood test then doctors often recommend consideration of colonoscopy or upper endoscopy.

Thanks again for sending your question regarding the significance of this particular test.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Robert Galamaga

Oncologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2635 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Does The Presence Of Occult Blood In Faeces Indicate?

Brief Answer: Considerations Detailed Answer: thanks for the question. This particular test looks for evidence of blood within a bowel movement or stool. The fact that this test was positive indicates that there is some type of gastrointestinal blood loss going on. This does not always mean there is an emergency. Very often hemorrhoids can cause a positive fecal occult blood test. if a patient has anemia and a positive fecal occult blood test then doctors often recommend consideration of colonoscopy or upper endoscopy. Thanks again for sending your question regarding the significance of this particular test. Sincerely, Dr. Galamaga