Fecal Occult Blood
Also Known As: Fecal Globin Test, Fecal, InSure®, Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
What Is A Fecal Globin (Fecal Occult) By Immunochemistry (Insure)?
The Fecal Globin by Immunochemistry (InSure) also known as Fecal Occult Blood test is an immunochromatographic method that helps qualitatively detect human hemoglobin from blood in fecal samples. It is one of the most useful screening tests for analyzing and diagnosing lower GI or gastrointestinal disorders related to iron deficiency anemia, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, adenomas, polyps, colorectal cancer, and other GI lesions causing bleeding. A doctor or healthcare professional often recommends it as part of your routine physical examination and during the screening of colorectal cancer and other possible sources of GI bleeding.
According to different researches and studies, every man and woman above 50 years should get this screening done frequently to avoid future complications. It should be performed once a year to diagnose colon cancer as symptoms could be limited to stool blood, typically invisible in some instances.
What Is The Test Used For?
The Fecal Globin by Immunochemistry (InSure) helps detect any hidden blood in your stool. The presence of blood can indicate a lower gastrointestinal disorder that should be treated almost immediately. You can easily collect the sample in the comfort and privacy of your home and then direct it to a laboratory for further analysis. However, the InSure test is only meant for in-vitro diagnosis. The blood in the stool is checked for bleeding in your digestive tract, which can be due to the following conditions:
- Colonic Polyps
The test is used for the early diagnosis of colonic polyps, i.e., extra pieces of tissues growing inside your body. These polyps are often found in the large intestine or colon, and while some are benign, others can be cancerous.
- Diverticulitis
Your doctor can also recommend you this test if he suspects diverticulitis disease. It is a condition where small pouches bulge outward in the body through the large intestine or colon.
- Ulcerative Colitis
This condition leads to the formation of inflamed sores called ulcers in the lining of your rectum and colon. UC can occur at any stage; therefore, constant monitoring is required through Fecal Globin by Immunochemistry (InSure) test, especially if you are already showing symptoms.
- Colorectal Cancer
Cancer occurs when tumors start forming in the lining of the large intestine. Many doctors use this test to diagnose and monitor the tumors in patients with blood in the stool along with other related symptoms.
Why And When Do You Need A Fecal Globin By Immunochemistry (Insure) Test?
Your doctor or health care provider can ask you to undergo this test if you have symptoms related to lower GI disorders like colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, and ulcerative colitis, etc. consult your physician or doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following:
- Change in bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, and narrowing of stool (persistent for a few days and more)
- The feeling of having a bowel movement that remains constant even after having one
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stool with bright red color
- Dark brown or black-looking stool
- Abdominal pain accompanied by severe cramping
- Constant weakness, fatigue, and tiredness
- Unintended weight loss
You might need to go through the Fecal Globin by Immunochemistry (InSure) more often than usual if you have some risk factors like:
- Excessive smoking
- Family history of GI disorders
- Obesity
- Alcohol use and abuse
What Kind Of Sample Is Required For The Test?
To carry out the Fecal Globin by Immunochemistry (InSure) test, be sure to read all the instructions on the test beforehand to avoid any problems.
- First, take the brush kit and test card to the washroom
- Flush the toilet and carry out a bowel movement. When done, use one of the given waste bags to place in the toilet bowl.
- Life the flap marked A on the test card to uncover a small white square underneath.
- Now use one of the given blue brushes and gently brush the stool surface for at least 5 seconds. Remove brush and shake gently to remove extra water and stool clumps. Peel off the label and use it to reseal the flap.
- Transfer water sample by dabbing the brush on the test card for about 5 seconds or more. Put the used brush in the kit waste bag and throw it away. As for the sample, print your details on it and then send it back to the lab for testing.
Do You Need To Prepare For The Test?
You don’t need to prepare anything before the test but remember that certain foods and medicines can alter the test results. Your doctor can ask you to avoid the use of the following:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen
- More than 250mg of Vitamin C daily from food and supplements
- Red meat like beef, lamb, and pork
Are There Any Risks To This Test?
There are no possible risks of Fecal Globin by Immunochemistry (InSure) test. You might need to be careful while taking the test for the first time, but once you are aware of the process, you can perform the test almost immediately and then resume your routine activities.
What Do The Test Results Mean?
Most of the Fecal Globin by Immunochemistry (InSure) results will be either positive, negative, or invalid instead of demonstrating a numeric number. A positive or abnormal test result means that your sample has blood in it. However, it does not always indicate colorectal cancer and its related diseases; many non-cancerous conditions can also cause blood to accumulate in the stool. If your test results are positive, it is better to consult with the doctor so he can recommend a colonoscopy or any other related test to assess your colon and rectum’s health.
A negative test result indicates that no blood was present in the stool. But, this result does not always rule out your possibility of having polyps, diverticulitis, or colorectal cancer.
Related Tests: GFOBT or Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood Test, Stool DNA Test, Blood test.
