How long does a fecal occult blood test take? Analysis of feces for occult blood - how research is done

Fecal occult blood test is a type of coprological analysis, the purpose of which is to identify occult bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Analysis of feces for blood reveals bleeding that cannot be tracked by microscopic examination.

Indications

As a rule, indications for the appointment of a fecal occult blood test are previously diagnosed gastric ulcer, polyposis, ulcerative colitis, intestinal tuberculosis, Crohn's disease, abdominal pain, heartburn, vomiting, nausea, false urge to defecate, constipation, weight loss, loss of appetite , mushy stools, anemia.

Preparing for a fecal blood test

Preparation for delivery includes a special diet: three days before the analysis, the patient should be excluded from the diet of meat and fish, liver, green vegetables, spinach, white beans, apples, pomegranates, horseradish, beets, bell peppers, tomatoes and blueberries. During the diet, you can eat cereals, potatoes, boiled eggs, dairy products, bread, butter, eat a small amount of fresh fruit.

In addition, within three days before the analysis, drugs containing iron, barium sulfate, bismuth should not be used, as they can affect the color of feces. It is also necessary to exclude the use of rectal suppositories, laxatives and drugs that affect intestinal motility.

Two days before the analysis, it is advisable not to brush your teeth with a toothbrush, as this can damage the gums and cause blood from them to enter the stomach. Women do not have a stool test for occult blood during menstruation.

How to take an analysis

The collection of material for the analysis of feces for blood occurs in the same way as in the general analysis of feces. As a container, it is recommended to use a plastic or glass container, or a special kit for testing. Fecal sampling should be made from four different places of fresh feces, eliminating the ingress of urine into it, then the material is placed in a clean container.

As a rule, for the most accurate results, it is recommended that the stool be delivered to the laboratory within three hours of a bowel movement.

Where to take the analysis

Typically, such studies are carried out in the process of diagnosing diseases, so such an analysis is given in medical institutions at the place of residence. It can also be done in various medical centers. In addition, there are special laboratories where you can take a stool test for a fee at a convenient time.

Deciphering the results of the analysis

In the absence of any pathologies, a fecal blood test will be negative. A positive test result may indicate the presence of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by bleeding: gastric ulcer, ulcerative colitis, helminthiasis, intestinal tuberculosis, Crohn's disease, tumors, etc.

When evaluating the results of the analysis, the fact is taken into account that the detected bleeding may not always relate to the sections of the gastrointestinal tract. A positive test result may be the result of nosebleeds, bleeding from the pharynx, periodontal disease, stomatitis, hemorrhoids. A repeat test may be ordered to confirm the results.

In a normal state, feces, as a rule, do not contain blood impurities. However, with the development of certain pathological processes, such a symptom is considered one of the most indicative signs.

To determine the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding, specialists prescribe a fecal occult blood test. To conduct this study, as well as to obtain truthful results, the patient must know how to pass it correctly and what recommendations must be followed.

What shows

A stool study is prescribed if there is a need to establish the presence of hemoglobin of a hemolyzed type, indicating internal bleeding that cannot be detected with the naked eye.

The procedure is also needed if the microscopic examination showed nothing..

In most cases, when a food bolus passes through the intestinal tract, erythrocyte elements are destroyed, as a result of which occult bleeding can only be detected by a biochemical method.

Indications for carrying out

First of all, the analysis shows hidden hemoglobin. In addition, it allows you to identify red blood cells.

The study is prescribed when it is necessary to check if there is bleeding in the lower intestine, which at an early stage may not be detected with a simple study.

Diagnostics is assigned in the following situations:

• during the act of defecation, a person experiences pain;
• in the feces there are traces of blood, mucus, purulent contents and other inclusions of a pathological nature;
• concerned about constipation or vice versa diarrhea;
• the weight decreases sharply, there is no appetite;
• there are regular pains in the abdomen;
• the temperature periodically rises for no apparent reason;
• the general well-being of a person worsens.

In the event that an adult has 2-3 of the above symptoms, it is necessary to seek medical help. Only a specialist will be able to establish the causes of this condition on the basis of the survey.

Types of analysis

To detect the presence of blood in the stool, a doctor may use various screenings and tests. To date, for the collection of feces and its study, there are two main methods that are considered the most informative.

These include:

1. Benzidine test or Gregersen reaction. For analysis, a chemical method is used. It is prescribed in order to determine the bleeding that occurs in all parts of the gastrointestinal tract. The peculiarity of this test is its sensitivity to human hemoglobin. It is for this reason that it is necessary to follow a strict diet before taking the test, which implies the exclusion of meat dishes from the diet.
2. Immunochemical analysis. In most cases, it is used when detecting pathologies affecting the lower parts of the digestive tract. The reaction will be observed only if there is no hemoglobin. In this case, dietary restrictions do not apply to patients. Such a diagnostic examination is convenient to carry out and is used to identify the oncological process of the colorectal type.

Fecal analysis using an immunochemical test is a more informative method, but if bleeding occurs in the esophagus or stomach, then its use is not advisable.

Only a specialist decides which technique to use in each case. Therefore, you must first visit a doctor, and then take a sample for research.

What is considered normal

It should not be forgotten that bleeding localized in the upper gastrointestinal tract is not always immediately detectable, therefore, tests with increased sensitivity are used to identify them.

Why does blood appear in the stool

Experts identify many factors that can provoke the presence of blood impurities in the stool.

The most common reasons include:

• cracks in the anal area;
• inflammatory processes affecting hemorrhoids;
• pathology of the intestine of an autoimmune nature;
• helminthiases;
• polyposis of the intestinal tube;
• oncological diseases;
• infection, which may be accompanied by hemocolitis.

In addition, the presence of blood in the feces can be if an ulcer of the esophagus, duodenum or stomach is diagnosed.

How to take

To obtain the most reliable results when conducting chemical tests, a certain preparation for the study is required on the part of the patient.

How to prepare

First of all, you need to follow a certain diet. To do this, three days before the procedure, fish and meat should be excluded from the diet. Also, some types of vegetables are not allowed, especially cucumbers, cauliflower, horseradish, green apples, zucchini, herbs and tomatoes.

Doctors advise to stop taking medications, which include iron, barium sulfate and bismuth. It is not recommended to use aspirin and ascorbic acid on the eve of the study.

3 days before the session, you must also refuse diagnostic or therapeutic manipulations on the intestines (X-ray, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy).

You can not use laxatives, as well as put cleansing enemas. It is only necessary to collect biomaterial for the fourth bowel movement from various sites.

If a woman has critical days, then the analysis should be postponed.

It is very important to be careful when brushing your teeth, because if the gums are damaged, blood can enter the digestive tract and affect the results.

Collection of feces

An equally important role is played by compliance with the rules when sampling biomaterial, which helps prevent foreign impurities from entering it, for example, liquid, urine or secretions from the genital organs.

The stool collection algorithm is as follows:

1. To collect material for analysis, you need to buy a special sterile container at the pharmacy. In addition, disinfection of the bowl or pot is required, since it is impossible to take a chair from the toilet.
2. For laboratory research, only a natural mass is taken, the release of which was not provoked by the action of a laxative or enema. It is important to ensure that no urine enters the biomaterial.
3. Fecal masses are transferred to the container using a special spoon. By volume, feces should occupy about 1/3 of the capacity.

To obtain a more accurate result, you need to take stool from various fractions.

It is also important to follow the rules for the delivery of material. Once the stool has been collected, it must be quickly transported to the laboratory, as the maximum storage time is no more than three hours.

Faeces should not be preserved or frozen. If it is not possible to deliver the stool to the laboratory in a timely manner, the container can be placed in the refrigerator, but the sample should also be stored for no more than 3 hours.

Interpretation of results

Only a specialist should deal with decoding, taking into account the maximum allowable standards, which were mentioned above.

If the discharge of blood fluid with stool is up to 2 milliliters per day, then this is normal. For this reason, when carrying out any diagnostic technique, the presence of blood in the feces will be determined.

This condition is considered a natural process, and doctors do not pay attention to it. Concern should arise if the indicators are higher.

The study of feces takes from three to six days, the timing depends on the laboratory to which the biomaterial was donated.

Positive

If the analysis shows a positive result, this means that there is an increased concentration of blood impurities in the stool that does not correspond to the norm.

This, in turn, may indicate pathological abnormalities such as:

• oncological diseases of the stomach;
• tuberculosis;
• inflammation of the duodenum or ulcer;
• stomatitis, periodontal disease or periodontitis;
• helminthiasis;
• varicose veins or thrombophlebitis of the esophagus;
• ulcerative colitis;
• neoplasms of a benign nature;
• inflammatory processes of hemorrhoids at the stage of exacerbation;
• nasopharyngeal bleeding.

Upon receipt of a positive reaction to occult blood, the patient undergoes a second diagnostic study. This is due to the fact that a false result is not excluded, which is associated with an irresponsible approach to the preparation of the procedure.

Negative

If during the procedure no changes in the shade of the reagent are noted, then the result is considered to be negative, that is, there are no impurities of blood fluid in the feces. In the presence of clinical manifestations, the test is repeated up to 3 times.

We must not forget that the sample may have its own deviations from normal values.. In addition, it is not always possible to determine the absence or presence of hidden bleeding from the first time. To do this, the specialist may prescribe a more in-depth examination.

weakly positive

A weakly positive reaction can be observed when the patient did not follow all the recommendations regarding the preparation for the test. This can include trauma to the gum tissue, the use of prohibited foods, and other conditions. The test will show that there is blood in the feces, but at the same time, the pathological processes that occur in the stomach or intestinal tract will be absent.

Testing a child

To collect feces from a baby, mom needs to prepare everything you need in advance:

• sterile diaper;
• material container.

Newborns should be monitored in the morning, as the act of defecation may begin unexpectedly.

As soon as a bowel movement begins, a pre-prepared clean diaper is placed under the baby. This will prevent foreign objects in the form of a pile or thread from entering the biomaterial.

Thick feces need to be collected with a special spoon, and liquid feces are simply poured into a container. The container is tightly closed and transferred to the laboratory.

In an older child, the collection of feces is carried out in the same way as in an adult.

The presence of occult blood may indicate an ulcer or gastritis of the stomach, colitis, allergies, oncopathology or helminthiasis.

How to test feces yourself

In the event that a person constantly experiences discomfort and pain in the abdomen, but he does not have the opportunity to quickly seek help from a medical institution, an initial diagnostic study is possible at home. For this, special test strips are used.

You can buy an express test at any pharmacy. The sampling is carried out in compliance with all recommendations.

Next, a small amount of stool is placed in a container with an applicator. The reagent is applied to the sample. When two strips appear, the result is interpreted as positive, which requires an immediate visit to a specialist.

The study of feces for occult blood plays an important role in establishing internal bleeding. In some cases, the presence of hemoglobin is enough to understand that pathology is developing in the intestine.

In order to timely detect violations and take the necessary measures, it is necessary to undergo this study at least once a year as a preventive measure.

Normally, with proper preparation of the patient, latent blood in the feces is not detected.

Latent blood is called, which does not change the color of feces and is not determined macro- and microscopically. Normally, less than 2 ml of blood is excreted in the feces per day (or 2 mg of hemoglobin per 1 g of feces).

Reactions for the detection of occult blood are based on the property of the blood pigment to accelerate oxidative processes. Easily oxidizable substance (benzidine, guaiac),

oxidized, changes color. According to the rate of appearance of staining and the intensity of staining of feces, weakly positive (+), positive (++ and +++) and sharply positive (++++) reactions are distinguished.

It should be remembered that the patient must be specially prepared for the study of feces for occult blood, otherwise the reaction may be positive in a healthy one. To do this, 3 days before the study, meat dishes, some fruits and vegetables that contain a lot of catalase and peroxidase (cucumbers, horseradish, cauliflower) should be excluded from the patient's diet, ascorbic acid, iron preparations, acetylsalicylic acid and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be canceled. .

To detect occult blood in the feces, it is recommended to examine the feces after 3 consecutive bowel movements, with samples taken from two different places of the stool each time. When evaluating the results of the analysis, even one positive result should be considered positive (and in cases where the rules for preparing the patient were not followed).

The reactions used to detect fecal occult blood have different sensitivities. The sensitivity of the guaiac reaction at a hemoglobin level of 2 mg per 1 g of feces is 20% and 90% at a concentration of more than 25 mg per 1 g. In about 50% of cases of colon cancer, the tumor “excretes” enough blood to be detected using a guaiac reaction, sensitivity which is 20-30% for colorectal cancer, about 13% for polyps. Upper bowel bleeding is less likely to have positive occult blood results than lower bowel bleeding. Guaiac reaction gives too many false negative results, and in 1-3% of studies it can be false positive even with the most strict adherence to the rules of stool collection.

The reaction with benzidine is too sensitive and gives a lot of false positive results.

The Hemoquant quantitative test (using fluorescent detection of porphyrins in feces) is twice as sensitive as the guaiac test, but it can be affected by eating meat with food and taking acetylsalicylic acid within 4 days before the analysis. Normally, the content of porphyrins in feces is less than 2 mg / g of feces, 2-4 mg / g - the border zone, above 4 mg / g - pathology.

Immunochemical tests (for example, Hemoselect kits) make it possible to detect human hemoglobin in the feces and do not require restrictions on diet and medication. Tests detect about 0.3 mg of hemoglobin per gram of feces.

A positive stool test for occult blood can be observed in a number of diseases:

peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;

Primary and metastatic tumors of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, duodenal papilla;

Tuberculosis of the intestine, nonspecific ulcerative colitis;

Invasions by helminths that injure the intestinal wall;

Expansion of the veins of the esophagus with cirrhosis of the liver and thrombophlebitis of the splenic vein;

Rendu-Osler's disease with the localization of bleeding telangiectasias anywhere in the mucous membrane of the digestive tract;

In typhoid fever, with positive results of the reaction to occult blood in the feces, macroscopic bleeding occurs much more often than with negative ones. However, severe bleeding is observed without previous occult;

When blood enters the digestive tract from the oral cavity and larynx, cracked lips, accidental or intentional (for the purpose of simulation) sucking blood from the oral cavity and leaking it in cases of nosebleeds; impurities in the feces of blood from hemorrhoids and anal fissures; one of the reasons for false-positive results may be ingestion in fecal blood.

Pathologies of the duodenum, stomach, esophagus may be accompanied by internal bleeding. Stool analysis helps to identify them at an early stage. The study reveals occult blood, which often becomes a sign of cancer.

What is occult blood in stool

Traces of blood that are invisible to the human eye in excrement are called occult blood. They are found only during special tests for the detection of transferrin or hemoglobin. The study gives the most reliable results in identifying such pathological conditions:

• duodenal ulcer, stomach;
• helminths in a child;
• tuberculous lesions of the intestine;
• blood diseases;
• varicose veins of the esophagus;
• Crohn's disease;
• erosive esophagitis;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• Lynch syndrome;
• hemorrhagic diathesis;
• tumors;
• polyposis;
• inflammation of the palatine tonsils, pharynx.

Analysis of feces allows you to detect colorectal cancer, intestinal tumors at an early stage. Positive test results are typical for such pathologies:

• diverticula of the intestine, stomach;
• erosive gastroduodenitis;
• nonspecific ulcerative colitis;
• damage to the mucous membrane of the digestive system.

When is an occult blood test ordered?

Doctors prescribe a fecal examination to the patient when signs of diseases of the digestive system appear. Indications for the study are the following symptoms:

• abdominal pain of unknown etiology;
• false urge to defecate;
• causeless loss of body weight;
• diarrhea;
• constipation;
• hyperthermia;
• nausea;
• heartburn;
• vomit.

Methods for detecting occult blood in feces

When internal bleeding is suspected, doctors use different methods for examining feces. They differ in sensitivity, efficiency, the need for preparation, the definition of pathologies in various parts of the intestine. Diagnostic methods for occult blood, their advantages and disadvantages:

Benzidine test

This analysis of feces for the detection of hidden blood loss has a second name - the Gregersen test. The main reagent is benzidine, to which acetic acid and barium peroxide are added to increase activity. The technique gives a lot of false positive results - a reaction to nosebleeds, eating meat, drugs, bleeding gums.

Immunochemical test

Operative research reveals neoplasms in the colon at an early stage, reduces cancer mortality by 30%. Immunochemical analysis of feces for occult blood reacts only to human protein, does not require special preparation. It is characterized by high sensitivity and such features:

Guaiac test

The sensitivity of the guaiac test depends on the concentration of hemoglobin. If its content is more than 2 mg per gram of feces, the result is positive in 90% of cases. The test diagnoses bleeding in any part of the digestive system. The analysis has the following specifics:

Rules for preparing for the study

To obtain an accurate test result, proper preparation is essential. The process begins a week before the analysis, includes the following activities:

Features of preparing for the Gregersen test

To eliminate the error in the results of this technique, it is important to strictly follow the diet. The Gregersen test for occult blood is sensitive to iron, pigments from food. It is necessary to postpone research for a while under the following circumstances:

• the presence of blood in the urine (hematuria);
• menstruation in women;
• hemorrhoids with bleeding;
• periodontal disease;
• indigestion (dyspepsia);
• breaks, damage as a result of anal sex.

An important role is given to the correct sampling of material for analysis. The following conditions must be met:

• conduct hygiene of the genitals, anus;
• collect feces in the morning, before breakfast;
• ingress of water, urine is unacceptable;
• you can not take biomaterial from the toilet (you need to put an oilcloth);
• fragments must be from three places;
• put the feces in a special sterile container;
• deliver to the laboratory within two hours.

Deciphering the analysis of feces for occult blood

The physician interprets the test results. The immunochemical test is considered the most accurate, but it is not performed in all laboratories. It takes 1-3 days to conduct and decipher the analyzes. Experts recommend, upon receipt of positive and negative results, to conduct an additional re-examination of feces for the presence of hidden bleeding and diagnostics using instrumental methods.

Negative result

If a small amount of blood enters the intestines, in a healthy person, under the action of enzymes, it decomposes. The norm is 0.2 mg of hemoglobin per gram of feces. A negative result confirms the absence of bleeding in the body, dangerous diagnoses, or requires a second examination when the patient has signs of pathologies.

Positive

If a patient is suspected of having occult bleeding, a positive test result is possible. Often it indicates an early stage of diseases associated with damage to the mucous membranes:

• colorectal cancer;
• peptic ulcer;
• intestinal tuberculosis;
• tumors of the digestive system;
• helminthiasis;
• pathologies of the veins of the esophagus;
• hemorrhoids.

Positive test for occult blood in a child

When analyzing feces in children, signs of hidden bleeding are sometimes revealed. The reason for a positive reaction depends on age:

False positive and false negative results

Often, studies of feces for the presence of hidden blood loss give ambiguous results - false negative, false positive. In this case, it is necessary to perform repeated analyzes, conduct additional diagnostics. A false positive response is possible in such cases.

In order for the analysis of feces for occult blood to show reliable results, appropriate preparation is necessary. Diagnosis and treatment depends on laboratory tests. Be sure to follow all the recommendations of your doctor regarding the diet before collecting the material.

Why you need to take an analysis

Already from the name of the laboratory study it is clear what the analysis of feces for occult blood shows. Then the question arises: to whom and for what purposes is he appointed? This analysis allows you to identify the presence of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which, in turn, can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, for these:

• intestinal inflammation;
• ulcerative colitis;
• stomach ulcer and / or duodenal ulcer;
• diffuse familial polyposis;
• polyps in the large intestine;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• hemorrhoids and anal fissure;
• helminth damage.

If there is a history of one of these pathologies, or its symptoms, fecal occult blood tests are indicated.

Preparation and delivery of analysis for adults

This analysis may be relevant for diagnosing various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in both adults and children. See the link for the breakdown.

Having ordered a fecal occult blood test, the doctor must tell you that special preparation is required before this laboratory test.

6 mandatory stages of preparation

1. A week before the delivery of feces, stop taking medications, and especially those that can affect the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and the color of the material. This rule applies to all forms of preparations, including oral (tablets, capsules, potions, infusions) and rectal (oils and suppositories).
2. Before passing the analysis, strict adherence to the diet will be required. Exclusion from your diet of certain products (which ones - read below) at least 72 hours before the day of sampling.
3. Defecation to collect material should be only spontaneous. No enemas or laxatives.
4. If any diagnostic examinations in the area of ​​the intestine or stomach, for example, sigmoidoscopy or endoscopy, were prescribed, they must be rescheduled for another time (after fecal sampling for analysis).
5. Although this rule contradicts hygiene standards, it is recommended not to brush your teeth the night before giving feces, but simply rinse your mouth. The fact is that even the most microscopic trauma to the gums can affect the result of the study.
6. During menstruation, women cannot donate feces for occult blood for analysis. We'll have to reschedule the study for another day.

Kirimov P.A., proctologist, clinic “Health plus”, Moscow

After the age of 40, the risk of cancer is known to increase.

Therefore, even if there are no health complaints, it is imperative to come to the local therapist for a referral for analysis, or be examined in a private clinic.

Diet before testing

What should be the diet of the examined patient should be indicated separately. A special diet before analyzing feces for occult blood must be observed for at least 3 days.

Gregersen's method, according to which this analysis is carried out, is sensitive to iron, therefore, it is highly recommended to exclude all products containing this element.

Also, from the menu, you should remove food that can change the color of feces (blueberries, beets), promote constipation (rice, pastries from premium flour) or have a laxative effect (prunes, strawberries), causing flatulence (beans, soda).

So, you will need to exclude from your diet everything that can make the results of a fecal occult blood test false:

• fish and some seafood;
• meat and offal;
• most vegetables (especially those that contain a lot of iron or have a laxative effect);
• fresh apples;
• berries, especially blueberries, strawberries and black currants.

What can you eat in this case? Include grain bread, butter, various cereals, chicken or quail eggs, dairy products in your diet. In small quantities, it is allowed to eat baked or boiled potatoes and some fruits.

1. The container for transporting feces must be sterile. As a rule, this is a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid. When using non-standard containers, it is necessary to boil it. described in detail in our article at the link.
2. After defecation, the material must be collected from 3-4 places of a single portion. A volume equal to half a teaspoon will be enough. Contact with feces of secretions from the urinary tract is unacceptable.
3. The sooner the material is delivered to the laboratory for analysis, the better. You can store it in a special container for a maximum of 12 hours, while the temperature should be from +4 to +8. If these conditions are not met, the result will be false.

How to prepare and pass the analysis to the child

Parents are responsible not only for their own health, but also for the health of their children. You need to be attentive to the well-being and mood of the child, do not ignore complaints of pain. Toddlers who can't speak express their anxiety with strong incessant crying. and if at the same time there is a delay in stool or diarrhea, it is urgent to take a stool test, including occult blood.

Preparation

All recommendations for preparation for analysis, including a special diet and drug withdrawal, are followed in children in the same way as in adults. Soda and various sweets with dyes are harmful to the gastrointestinal tract, and if you have not yet limited your child from their use, you definitely need to do this when preparing to donate feces.

Children in the first months of life usually eat only mother's milk. Therefore, in order for the analysis of feces for occult blood in infants to be reliable, a nursing mother must follow an appropriate diet and exclude medications for a while. and read the articles at the link.

Polyakova V. I., pediatrician, children's polyclinic No. 1, Voronezh

Not always pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract are manifested by painful sensations, frequent defecation or its delay.

After each bowel movement, carefully examine the contents of the potty or diaper.

Collection, storage and transportation of material

General recommendations have already been described above on how to collect a fecal occult blood test. Urine in the container is unacceptable. It is not advisable to wear a diaper for the collection and delivery of material to the baby, as this can spoil the picture of the results. It is best to use a clean fabric oilcloth.

As for older children, then take feces after a bowel movement from the toilet is unacceptable. Ask the child to recover in a pot, which should first be doused with boiling water.

It is also necessary to store children's feces at a temperature of +4 to +8 and transport it to the laboratory no later than 12 hours.

Deciphering the results: norm and deviation, false positives and false negatives

Deciphering the analysis of feces for occult blood, like any other laboratory study, is always performed by the attending physician. You should not draw any conclusions on your own, and even more so self-medicate.

Norms and deviations in adults

The norm of the analysis of feces for occult blood is a negative result. But at the same time, it should be understood that 1-2 ml of blood still enters the intestines. This will also be considered a variant of the norm, but only if the chair is not more than 1 time per day.

If the fecal occult blood test is negative, but other studies indicate the presence of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, polyps in the rectum are clearly detected during endoscopy), the result is considered false negative.

A positive result in most cases indicates the presence of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, liver. These can be polyps, ulcers, fissures, hemorrhoids and even a malignant tumor. Other methods of research will be required to clarify the diagnosis.

If the fecal occult blood test is positive, you should not immediately panic. Before making a diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe a second examination. After all, it is quite possible that the results are false. Distortions can occur for the following reasons:

• non-compliance with a special diet and other recommendations before the study;
• bleeding in any part of the gastrointestinal tract is still present, but is temporary;
• bleeding gums, nasal mucosa (you should definitely inform your doctor about this).

In addition, errors on the part of the laboratory are not ruled out. Such cases are rare, but they do happen.

Norms and deviations in children

In children's feces, as in adults, there should be no blood(more about). But at the same time, it should be understood that during the first 3 months of life, the baby's body adapts to extrauterine life, and the gastrointestinal tract is still continuing to form. Therefore, if in a small child the analysis showed occult blood in the feces, minor deviations from the norm are allowed.

The fact is that in an unformed intestine, the vessels are located very close to the surface and are easily deformed during defecation, and even with strong gas formation.

In this case, as well as with bleeding gums during teething, and with improper preparation for analysis, a false positive result is possible.

But the situation cannot be left to chance either. First of all, you need to try to bring the baby's stool back to normal by reviewing. In case of gas formation, lay the child on the tummy more often and give dill water. After these actions, it is imperative to retake the fecal analysis, and if necessary, the pediatrician will prescribe a hardware examination.

It is necessary to examine the stool in older children, even in the absence of complaints, at least once every six months for preventive purposes.

The presence of occult blood in the feces of a child can often indicate damage to the liver and gastrointestinal tract by helminths.. This disease in childhood is quite common, however, there are no obvious symptoms. Therefore, it is important to know.

In pediatrics, medical prescriptions should be treated with particular caution. Unpromising and aggressive treatment can harm the health of the child. It is necessary to strictly monitor all indicators, for example, to know what is the norm of blood sugar in children.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, there are very few completely healthy people in the modern world. This situation is aggravated by the fact that many pathologies are latent and are already detected at an advanced stage.

In order to detect the disease in time, regular diagnostics are necessary.: hardware and laboratory research. If the analysis is normal, and complaints persist, you should repeat the studies, as well as undergo additional diagnostics, for example, ultrasound, endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, FGDS. Remember, our health is in our hands.