Stool Routine & Occult Blood Examination (FOBT / R/M)
Also known as: Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), Stool R/M, Stool Microscopy, Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
Parameters Measured in the Report
A breakdown of individual biomarkers and biological reference intervals typically found in your report:
| Biomarker | Standard Range | Unit | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
Fecal Occult Blood (FOBT / FIT) (Occult Blood) | Negative (Nil) | qualitative / µg Hb/g | Detects microscopic blood leaking from polyps, ulcers, or tumors in the digestive tract. |
Pus Cells / WBCs (Microscopy) (Fecal Leukocytes) | Nil / 0–2 | /HPF | Indicates invasive bacterial enteritis (Shigella, Salmonella) or active inflammatory bowel disease. |
Red Blood Cells (Microscopy) (Fecal RBCs) | Nil | /HPF | Microscopic bleeding from mucosal ulceration or severe mucosal inflammation. |
Ova, Cysts & Parasites (Microscopy) (O&P Screen) | Absent / None Seen | microscopy | Checks for intestinal parasites including Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica, hookworm, or roundworm. |
* Note: Reference ranges may vary slightly between testing instruments and reagent kits. Always refer to the reference interval printed on your specific pathology report.
Clinical Focus
Microscopic presence of hidden (occult) hemoglobin, intestinal pus cells, red blood cells, ova, cysts, and parasites.
Sample & Specimen
Fresh stool specimen in clean sterile container
Fasting Protocol
No fasting required. Avoid red meat, turnips, and NSAIDs for 48 hours prior if using guaiac FOBT.
Turnaround Time
4–8 hours (same day)
What Is This Test?
Why Did Your Doctor Order This Test?
Physicians routinely prescribe the Stool Routine & FOBT in the following clinical scenarios:
How to Prepare Before Your Test
- Collect fresh stool in the clean, dry container provided. Do not contaminate with toilet bowl water or urine.
- If taking a chemical guaiac FOBT: Avoid cooked red meat, broccoli, horseradish, Vitamin C supplements, and aspirin for 48 hours prior.
- Do not collect sample during active hemorrhoidal bleeding or during menstrual flow.
Understanding Your Results
What higher or lower readings generally mean in clinical practice:
If Values Are Higher Than Normal
A positive Fecal Occult Blood test confirms gastrointestinal mucosal bleeding, requiring prompt clinical evaluation with colonoscopy and/or gastroscopy to identify or rule out colon polyps, colorectal carcinoma, diverticular disease, or peptic ulcers.
If Values Are Lower Than Normal
A negative stool routine and occult blood test indicates the absence of detectable GI hemorrhage and intestinal parasites in that specimen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a positive stool occult blood test mean I have colon cancer?
No. Most positive occult blood tests are caused by benign conditions like bleeding hemorrhoids (piles), anal fissures, stomach ulcers, diverticulosis, or colon polyps. However, it is an essential red-flag signal that warrants a colonoscopy.
Related Laboratory Tests
Tests frequently prescribed together or used as follow-up investigations:
Iron Profile & Serum Ferritin
Serum Iron, Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC), Transferrin Saturation (% Sat), and Stored Tissue Ferritin.
Complete Blood Count (CBC / Hemogram)
Counts and evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.
Widal Test & Typhidot (Enteric / Typhoid Fever)
Serum agglutinating antibody titers against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi O (somatic) and H (flagellar) antigens.
Medical & Diagnostic Disclaimer
This guide is published for educational and patient informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or clinical advice.
A laboratory result that falls slightly outside standard statistical reference intervals does not automatically indicate disease; conversely, a normal result does not guarantee the absence of medical conditions. Only your attending physician can interpret lab findings in the context of your medical history, physical exam, and symptoms.