GFOBT

GFOBT or Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood Test is a type of fecal occult blood test that is used to detect blood in the feces. This test is often used in cancer screening procedures, particularly for colorectal cancer.

Overview

The GFOBT is a non-invasive test that can detect small amounts of blood in the feces, which may be an early sign of cancer. The test uses the chemical guaiac to detect the presence of hemoglobin in the feces. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen. If there is blood in the feces, the guaiac will cause the stool sample to change color.

Procedure

The GFOBT requires the collection of three separate stool samples that are taken on different days. The samples are then applied to a test card and returned to the healthcare provider for analysis. If the test card changes color, this indicates that there may be blood in the feces.

Limitations

While the GFOBT can be a useful tool in cancer screening, it does have some limitations. The test can produce false-positive results, meaning it can indicate the presence of blood when there is none. This can occur if the patient has eaten certain foods, such as red meat or some fruits and vegetables, before taking the test. The test can also produce false-negative results, meaning it can fail to detect blood when it is present. This can occur if the blood is not evenly distributed in the stool samples.

See Also

• Fecal occult blood
• Colorectal cancer
• Cancer screening
• Hemoglobin

GFOBT Resources
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