Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a FOBT (Fecal Occult Blood Test)?
A FOBT is used to find occult (hidden) blood in feces. The test is accurately able to detect blood that can not be seen with the naked eye. The test is quick and easy to take in the privacy of your own home and requires no special preparation.
The idea behind this test is that blood vessels at the surface of larger colorectal polyps or cancers are often fragile and easily damaged by the passage of feces. The damaged vessels usually release a small amount of blood into the feces, but only rarely is there enough bleeding for blood to be visible in the stool.
What's the difference between FOBT, gFOBT, iFOBT and FIT?
All 4 tests essentially do the same thing and the terms are often used interchangeably. However, there are some minor differences which refer to the technology used :FOBT - FOBT stands for Fecal Occult Blood Test. This refers to any test that detects Occult (hidden) Blood in the stool. Originally when the test was first developed, it was guaiac based. A superior immunochemical version of the FOBT later replaced the guaiac based tests and so today FOBT refers to the immunochemical version of the test which is the same as FIT or iFOBT.
gFOBT - gFOBT stands for Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood Test. This is a guaiac based FOBT test. It is not as accurate as the newer version of immunochemical FOBT tests. Guaiac based tests additionally have dietary restrictions prior to collecting a specimen. The American College of Gastroenterology has now recommended abandoning the gFOBT in favor of the iFOBT for colorectal cancer screening.
iFOBT - iFOBT stands for Immunochemical Feccal Occult Blood Test. This is an immunochemical FOBT that replaced the earlier guaiac based gFOBT. It is more accurate than a gFOBT and has no dietary restrictions.
FIT - FIT stands for Fecal Immunochemical Test. This is just another term for the iFOBT.
When should I take a FOBT (Fecal Occult Blood Test)?
The National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society recommend that a FOBT test should be taken annually starting from the age of 50.
You should start annual screenings sooner if you are
at an increased risk or have a family history.
If you have a family history, you should start regular screening 10 years prior
to the youngest case in immediate family or at age 40, whichever is earlier.
If you are at an increased risk for colorectal cancer, you should consider
beginning your testing before the age of 40.
How accurate is the FOBT?
The test is considered to be very accurate. The particular test used by the program, (InsureFIT Immunochemical FOBT) has the following accuracy :
87% Sensitivity for colorectal cancer
96.6% Specificity for significant neoplasia
How is the test taken?
The test is intuitive and simple. It takes about 5 minutes to complete and is done at the comfort of your home.
Your FIT test kit will consist of 2 collection cards and two brushes. After a bowel movement, you will use the provided brush to touch the stool and then the collection card. You will need to repeat the test the following day and then send the collection cards in the envelope provided.
A short video explaining the above process can be watched below:
You can download the test instructions here (InsureFIT Test Instructions)
Can I complete this test during my annual physical at my Primary Physicians office?
Yes but to be considered a valid colorectal cancer screening, the specimen must be taken
at home over multiple bowel movements.
American Cancer Society states the following
"Doctors often find a small amount of stool in the rectum when doing a DRE.
However, simply checking stool obtained this way for bleeding with an FOBT or
FIT is not an acceptable method of screening for colorectal cancer. Research has
shown that this type of stool exam will miss more than 90% of colon
abnormalities, including most cancers."
Do I need a referring or primary physician for the test?
No. ColonoscopyAssist does not require a referring or primary physician for the test. However, if requested, ColonoscopyAssist will send a copy of your report to the referring or primary physician.
