Fecal occult blood test at home is an IVD self-test for the qualitative detection of human blood in stool. The cut-off is 50 ng/ml, equivalent to 6 µg/g of stool, and the result is read at 5 minutes.
Why choose this fecal occult blood test?
- For home use: the test uses one stool sample.
- Rapid result: read the result at 5 minutes.
- Defined cut-off: 50 ng/ml or 6 µg/g.
- No dietary restrictions: no special diet is required before testing.
- Easy to interpret: the result appears as C and T lines on the test cassette.
What does the fecal occult blood test detect?
The test qualitatively detects human blood in stool at a cut-off of 50 ng/ml or 6 µg/g. FOB stands for fecal occult blood, meaning blood in the stool that may not be visible to the naked eye.
The test indicates whether blood is detected in the sample, but it does not identify the cause of bleeding or establish a diagnosis. It is not intended on its own to detect colorectal tumours or other gastrointestinal tumours.
Who is the test for and when should it be used?
The FOB home test is intended for situations where you want to check whether a stool sample contains blood that is not visible. Perform the test at home with one stool sample and follow the instructions supplied with the pack.
A positive result does not identify the cause of bleeding and must be assessed by a healthcare professional.
When should a sample not be collected?
Do not collect a sample during menstruation or within three days afterwards, from bleeding hemorrhoids, or when blood is present in urine.
Excess alcohol, aspirin and some medicines can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause occult bleeding. The package insert advises avoiding these substances for at least 48 hours before testing. Do not stop prescribed medication without first consulting a healthcare professional.
How to perform the FOB home test
- Collect the stool on the collection paper supplied with the pack.
- Use the applicator stick to sample three different areas of the stool.
- Close and shake the collection tube, then allow the sample to react for 2 minutes.
- Add two full drops to the sample well of the test cassette.
- Read the result at 5 minutes. Do not interpret the result after 10 minutes.
Always follow the instructions supplied with the pack.
How is the result interpreted?
Positive: both C and T lines appear. This means that blood has been detected in the sample. The result must be assessed by a healthcare professional. Any visible T line counts as positive, regardless of its intensity.
Negative: only the C line appears. This means that the test did not detect blood above its cut-off.
Invalid: if no C line appears, the test has not worked correctly and must be repeated with a new test.
How accurate is the fecal occult blood test?
In a clinical study with 110 participants, sensitivity was 98.3%, specificity was 98.0% and overall accuracy was 98.2%.
A negative result does not completely exclude bleeding, because bleeding can be intermittent. The test is also less sensitive to bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
What is included and how should the test be stored?
The pack contains:
- one test cassette
- a collection tube containing 2 ml of buffer
- stool collection paper
- package insert
A timer is also required.
Store at 2–30 °C. Do not freeze.
Frequently asked questions about the fecal occult blood test
What does FOB mean?
FOB stands for fecal occult blood: blood in the stool that may not be visible to the naked eye.
What does a positive FOB test mean?
A positive result means that blood above the test cut-off has been detected in the stool sample. It does not identify the cause of bleeding, so the result must be assessed by a healthcare professional.
What does a negative result mean?
A negative result means that the test did not detect blood above its cut-off. It does not completely exclude intermittent bleeding. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
How quickly is the result available?
Read the result at 5 minutes. Do not interpret the result after 10 minutes.
Is a special diet required before testing?
No. No special dietary restrictions are required before using this test.
Can the test be used during menstruation?
No. Do not collect a sample during menstruation or within three days afterwards.
What should I do if the result is positive?
Have the result assessed by a healthcare professional. The test detects blood in stool but does not identify its cause.
Order the fecal occult blood test and perform the test at home by following the instructions supplied with the pack.
