Occult Blood Stool Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Occult Blood Stool Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), Guaiac Test, Haemoccult Test |
| Sample Type | Stool (faeces) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | Within 24 to 48 hours |
| Recommended For | Adults aged 45 to 75 years for colorectal cancer screening; all ages when investigating gastrointestinal bleeding or unexplained anaemia |
| Price | Starting at ₹150 |
What Is an Occult Blood Stool Test?
The occult blood stool test checks for tiny traces of blood in a stool sample that are invisible to the naked eye. "Occult" simply means hidden. Doctors order this test to investigate unexplained anaemia or gastrointestinal symptoms or as part of routine colorectal cancer screening. It is also widely referred to as the faecal occult blood test (FOBT), faecal immunochemical test (FIT), or haemoccult test. The test uses a small stool sample collected at home or at a collection centre.
What Does an Occult Blood Stool Test Measure?
The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) uses antibodies to detect human haemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells) present in your stool. It specifically looks for haemoglobin from the lower part of the intestines. Here is what this test tells us:
| Parameter | What It Detects |
|---|---|
| Faecal haemoglobin | Hidden blood in the stool sample, originating from the lower gastrointestinal tract |
Why Is an Occult Blood Stool Test Done?
Doctors order this test to investigate digestive symptoms or to screen for colorectal conditions before symptoms appear.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms can prompt a doctor to order a faecal occult blood test (FOBT). These include:
- Visible or suspected blood in stools
- Unexplained anaemia (a low red blood cell count)
- A persistent change in bowel habits
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained high platelet count (thrombocytosis)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A positive result may point to a range of digestive tract conditions. The test can help identify:
- Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum)
- Polyps (abnormal growths on the lining of the colon or rectum)
- Ulcers (open sores in the stomach or intestinal lining)
- Haemorrhoids (swollen blood vessels near the anus)
- Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Diverticulitis (inflamed pouches in the colon wall)
- Oesophagitis or gastritis (inflammation of the food pipe or stomach)
- Benign (non-cancerous) tumours
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for the occult blood stool test is straightforward. There are no major restrictions, but a few simple steps will help ensure accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the faecal occult blood test. You can eat and drink normally before collecting your sample. However, if your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside this one, those tests may have their own fasting requirements, so it is worth checking.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before collecting your sample:
- Avoid iron tablets, vitamin C supplements, and painkillers for at least three days before collection
- For specific type of tests, avoid red meat such as beef, lamb, and liver in the days before your test, as traces of animal blood can affect the result
- Do not collect the sample during your menstrual period; wait until it has ended
- Keep the sample container away from urine and toilet water during collection
- Do not use absorbent materials such as paper or matchboxes for sample collection
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample for a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is usually collected at home. Here is what to expect:
- Collect your stool before it contacts the toilet water. Use a clean surface or collection aid if provided.
- Transfer a small amount (roughly one to two teaspoons) into a sterile, leak-proof container with a screw-on lid.
- Collect from two or three different areas of the stool, as blood is not spread evenly throughout.
- Label the container clearly and store it as instructed.
- Return the sample to the collection centre or hand it to the home collection professional promptly.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence the reliability of your result. These include:
- Collecting the sample during menstruation
- Contamination of the sample with urine or toilet water
- Delay in returning the sample to the laboratory
- Active bleeding from haemorrhoids
- Exposure of the sample to high temperatures before analysis
Understanding Your Occult Blood Stool Test Results
Your faecal occult blood test (FOBT) results should always be reviewed alongside your symptoms and medical history. The table below shows the standard reference ranges:
| Test Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive Result | Indicates the presence of blood, requiring further evaluation (colonoscopy, endoscopy) to determine the cause. |
| Negative Result | No detectable blood, but routine screening is advised based on age and risk factors. |
| False Positives/Negatives | Certain foods, medications, and improper collection can affect results. |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Some situations can affect the reliability of your haemoccult test result. If you have active haemorrhoids or are menstruating, blood from these sources may enter the sample and produce a false-positive reading. In that case, it is best to repeat the test once the bleeding has stopped. Similarly, if the sample is exposed to high temperatures before reaching the laboratory, haemoglobin stability can be affected, which may alter the result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness habits support digestive health over time:
- Eat a diet rich in fibre, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to support bowel health
- Stay well hydrated and maintain regular physical activity
- Follow your doctor's advice on screening frequency, especially if you are in an at-risk age group
Lupin Diagnostics Occult Blood Stool Test Price and Home Collection
The occult blood stool test price at Lupin Diagnostics starts from ₹150, with home collection available across cities. The table below shows approximate prices by location:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Chennai | ₹170 |
| Bengaluru | ₹150 |
| Mumbai | ₹150 |
| Hyderabad | ₹150 |
| Pune | ₹150 |
| Kolkata | ₹150 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the occult blood stool test across multiple cities, so you can collect your sample in the comfort of your home. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories staffed by experienced professionals. Your digital report is delivered via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The occult blood stool test detects hidden blood in your stool that you cannot see. It is used to screen for colorectal cancer in adults aged 45 and above and to investigate symptoms such as unexplained anaemia, abdominal discomfort, or changes in bowel habits. Your doctor will recommend it based on your age and symptoms.
Not necessarily. A positive faecal occult blood test result means blood was found in your stool, but blood can come from several sources, including haemorrhoids, polyps, ulcers, or inflammatory conditions. Your doctor will likely arrange a follow-up test, such as a colonoscopy, to identify the exact cause.
You collect the sample at home using a sterile container provided by the lab. A small amount of stool is transferred into the container, away from toilet water. For guaiac-based tests, samples may be needed on three separate days. The process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes.
Yes, for guaiac-based tests. Medicines such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, blood thinners, and certain antidepressants can irritate the gut lining and cause minor bleeding, which may produce a misleading positive result. Discuss any medicines you are taking with your doctor before the test. FIT is not affected by medications.
Adults aged 45 to 75 years are generally advised to have colorectal cancer screening, and the occult blood stool test is one option for this. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors may need to start screening earlier. The test is also suitable for anyone with symptoms such as unexplained anaemia, rectal bleeding, or persistent digestive discomfort.
For colorectal cancer screening in adults at average risk, annual testing is a common recommendation. Your doctor will advise the right frequency based on your age, personal health history, and any risk factors you may have. Always follow your doctor's guidance on screening intervals.
Occult Blood Stool Test: Booking, Price, and Results
