What is a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)?
The Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is a non-invasive screening test that checks for hidden (occult) blood in your stool — blood that is not visible to the naked eye.
The presence of microscopic blood in the faeces can be an early indicator of colorectal cancer, polyps, or other gastrointestinal conditions. Crucially, bowel cancer found early is much more likely to be treated successfully, making FOBT a potentially lifesaving screening tool.
Who Should Have an FOBT?
- Routine colorectal cancer screening (recommended from age 45–50, or earlier with risk factors)
- Individuals with a family history of bowel cancer or polyps
- Patients on the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme follow-up
- Investigation of unexplained anaemia
- Monitoring known gastrointestinal conditions
- Any patient with vague lower GI symptoms warranting initial non-invasive investigation
How to Collect the Test
Receive Your Kit
You receive a collection kit with detailed written instructions from our clinic or your GP.
Collect Samples
Small stool samples are collected from 2–3 separate bowel motions over consecutive days using the provided collection device.
Return Samples
Samples are returned to the pathology laboratory in the pre-addressed envelope or as directed.
Results
Results are sent to your doctor within a few days. A positive result requires follow-up with colonoscopy for further investigation.
Important Information
- A positive FOBT does not necessarily mean you have cancer — many positive results are due to benign causes such as haemorrhoids or dietary factors
- A negative result does not entirely exclude bowel cancer — regular screening is recommended
- If you receive a positive FOBT result, colonoscopy is strongly recommended to investigate the source
- The immunochemical FOBT (iFOBT) used in Australia does not require any dietary restriction