fecal occult test
Noun: A medical screening procedure where a person collects small samples of their own stool at home. These samples are then analyzed, typically by a laboratory or with a kit, for the presence of hidden (occult) blood that is not visible to the naked eye. Its primary purpose is as an early detection tool for conditions that may cause gastrointestinal bleeding, most notably colorectal cancer.
The term "fecal occult test" is used specifically to refer to the screening method and the kit or process itself. It is a standard noun phrase. - The doctor recommended an annual fecal occult test for patients over 50. - She completed the fecal occult test kit and mailed it to the lab. - A positive result on a fecal occult test requires follow-up investigation, such as a colonoscopy.
- "To take/do/complete a fecal occult test": This is the standard phrasing for undergoing the procedure.
- It is important to follow the dietary instructions before you take a fecal occult test.
- The term is often part of the longer, more formal name fecal occult blood test (FOBT).
- It is a type of non-invasive screening, contrasting with procedures like a colonoscopy.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): The full, formal name for the test.
- Stool test: A broader category of tests performed on stool samples, which includes the fecal occult test.
- Guaiac test (gFOBT): A specific, traditional type of fecal occult test that uses a chemical (guaiac) to detect blood.
- Immunochemical test (FIT/iFOBT): A newer type of fecal occult test that uses antibodies to detect human blood, often considered more specific.
- Occult blood test: A more general term that can refer to tests for hidden blood in other bodily fluids, but is often used interchangeably in a gastrointestinal context.
- Stool blood test: A simpler, descriptive synonym.
The meaning of "fecal occult test" is highly specific and technical. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses. Its core meaning is always tied to the medical screening procedure for hidden blood in stool. The word "occult" in this context means "hidden" or "not visible," not related to supernatural practices.
- a test performed at home in which you collect specimens of your stool that are tested for traces of blood; used to detect colorectal cancers