Detection of occult blood in stool

Recommendations:

• The stool is delivered to the laboratory for examination within 2 hours of collection. If the delivery time exceeds 2 hours, it is necessary to use containers with a preservative for transporting the material.
• The container with feces is tightly closed with a lid, packed in a clean disposable bag and delivered to the laboratory.
• Stools should not be submitted for testing after an enema, suppository insertion, or castor oil administration. Stools for testing should not contain foreign substances, such as urine.
• In newborn babies, feces are collected from the diaper or nappy immediately after defecation.

Gastrointestinal diseases are a serious medical problem that requires careful diagnosis and treatment. One of the important tools in determining these diseases is the detection of occult blood in the stool. This procedure is necessary for the early detection and monitoring of gastrointestinal diseases.

Reasons for detecting hidden blood in the stool:

1. Gastric and duodenal ulcer: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can bleed, and blood may appear in the stool.
2. Inflammatory bowel diseases: Diseases such as chronic colitis and Crohn's disease can cause inflammation and bleeding in the intestines.
3. Tumors: Malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract can destroy blood vessels and lead to bleeding.
4. Ulcerative colitis: This disease is accompanied by ulcers and inflammation in the lining of the colon, which can lead to bleeding.
5. Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids can also bleed, and blood may appear in the stool.

Methods for detecting occult blood in stool:

1. Hemoglobin test: This rapid and non-invasive test detects the presence of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, in stool. A positive result may indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Immunological test on feces: This test looks for specific proteins that may indicate the presence of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. It is very sensitive and can detect very small amounts of blood.
3. Stool for hemoglobin: This is a more sensitive hemoglobin test that can detect bleeding even if it is not visible by normal signs.
4. Colonoscopy and fibrocolonoscopy: These invasive procedures allow doctors to closely examine the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract and identify the source of bleeding.
5. Gastrofibroscopy: This procedure allows doctors to examine the wall of the stomach and duodenum.

The importance of detecting occult blood in the stool:

Detection of occult blood in the stool is important for early diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Early detection can improve the prognosis and increase the chances of successful treatment. It also helps to determine the severity of the disease and choose the optimal treatment method.

If you notice hidden blood in your stool, it is important to consult a doctor who can determine the cause of the bleeding and provide appropriate treatment. Timely diagnosis and treatment will help maintain the health of the gastrointestinal tract and improve the patient's quality of life.