Occult Blood, Fecal by Immunoassay
Also known as: FOB IA
Use
The Occult Blood, Fecal by Immunoassay test is a qualitative assessment used primarily for the detection of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be an indicator of colorectal cancer. The test is an immunoassay that detects fecal occult blood, specifically focusing on identifying bleeding from the lower regions of the gastrointestinal tract, thus aiding in the screening for colorectal cancer. A recommended cutoff of 100 ng/mL is used to provide a specificity of approximately 95 percent for colorectal cancer detection.
Special Instructions
The test requires stool samples which can be collected by patients in a home setting using a Patient Take Home Kit or in a clinical setting with a FOBT-CHEKoc sampling bottle. The stool must be transferred to the sampling bottle within 4 hours of collection to ensure sample integrity. Proper use of the ARUP supply kits and adherence to collection instructions is crucial for accurate results.
Limitations
This test does not detect upper gastrointestinal bleeding and no single cutoff is universally superior for colorectal cancer detection. Therefore, results should be interpreted in the context of the patient's overall clinical condition and history. The specificity of this assay is approximately 95 percent when using the manufacturer's recommended cutoff. External factors or improper sample handling may affect test results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Qualitative)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2335-8
Result Turnaround Time
2-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
FOBT-CHEKoc sampling bottle (ARUP Supply #49940/#49952)
Collection Instructions
For Clinical Collections: Dip sampling bottle transfer wand into stool collection and place back into the sampling bottle. For Patient In-Home Collection: Use the Patient Take Home Kit for stool collection and transfer within 4 hours.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated storage required after collection.
Causes for Rejection
Unpreserved stool.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 15 days |
| Refrigerated | 1 month |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |