Guaiac

Guaiac is a type of wood and resin derived from the Guaiacum genus of trees. It is most commonly used in medicine for the detection of occult blood in stool, a sign of various gastrointestinal conditions.

History

The Guaiacum genus, from which guaiac is derived, is native to the Caribbean and the northern coast of South America. The wood and resin have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in the treatment of syphilis.

Medical Uses

In modern medicine, guaiac is most commonly used in the guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT). This test is used to detect occult (hidden) blood in a patient's stool, which can be a sign of conditions such as colorectal cancer or gastrointestinal bleeding.

The gFOBT works by using the guaiac to detect the presence of heme, a component of hemoglobin in red blood cells. When the guaiac is exposed to heme in the presence of an oxidizing agent, it undergoes a reaction that results in a blue color. This is known as the guaiacum test or guaiac smear test.

Other Uses

In addition to its medical uses, guaiac wood and resin are also used in various other industries. The wood is dense and durable, making it suitable for uses such as making bowling balls and guitar fingerboards. The resin is used in the production of varnish and perfume.

See Also

• Fecal occult blood
• Guaiacum
• Hemoccult

References

Guaiac Resources
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