Definition

The stool guaiac test finds hidden (occult) blood in the stool (bowel movement). It is the most common form of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in use today.

Alternative Names

Guaiac smear test; Fecal occult blood test - guaiac smear; Stool occult blood test - guaiac smear

How the test is performed

If the test is performed in an office or hospital, stool may be collected by a doctor during an examination.

If the test is performed at home, a stool sample from three consecutive bowel movements is collected, smeared on a card, and mailed to a laboratory for processing. In order to ensure the accuracy of the guaiac test, follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to collect the stool.

There are many ways to collect the samples. You can catch the stool on plastic wrap that is loosely placed over the toilet bowl and held in place by the toilet seat. Then put the sample in a clean container. One test kit supplies a special toilet tissue that you use to collect the sample, then put the sample in a clean container. Do not take stool samples from the toilet bowl water, because this can cause errors.

For infants and young children wearing diapers, you can line the diaper with plastic wrap. The plastic wrap is positioned so that it keeps the stool from any urine. Mixing of urine and stool can spoil a good sample.

Laboratory procedures may vary. In one type of test, a small sample of stool is placed on a paper card. A drop or two of testing solution is put on the opposite side of the card. A color change indicates the presence of blood in the stool.

How to prepare for the test

Do not eat red meat, any blood-containing food, cantaloupe, uncooked broccoli, turnip, radish, or horseradish for 3 days prior to the test.

You may need to stop taking medicines that can interfere with the test. These include vitamin C and aspirin. Check with your health care provider regarding medication changes that may be necessary. Never stop or decrease any medication without consulting your health care provider.

How the test will feel

There is no discomfort when the test is done at home, because this test only involves normal bowel functions. If stool is collected during an exam, there may be some discomfort in the anal canal and rectum.

Why the test is performed

This test is a screening test to detect blood in the digestive tract.

Normal Values

A negative test result is normal.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal results may indicate:

• Colon polyps
• Colon cancer or other gastrointestinal (GI) tumors
• Esophagitis
• Gastritis
• GI trauma or bleeding from recent GI surgery
• Hemorrhoids
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Peptic ulcer
• Angiodysplasia of the GI tract
• GI infections
• Esophageal varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy

Additional non-GI related causes of positive guaiac test may include:

• Nose bleed
• Coughing up blood

Abnormal tests require follow-up with your doctor.

What the risks are

There can be false-positive and false-negative results. Using the right collection technique, avoiding certain drugs, and observing food restrictions can reduce errors.

Special considerations

---

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process, and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch.)

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. ©1997-2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.