What do the results of the Fecal Occult Blood Test mean?

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A positive FOBT result means that blood was found in your stool. Your doctor will analyze the source of the bleeding by doing a colonoscopy or an examination to determine if the bleeding is coming from the stomach or small intestine. A negative test result means that no blood was found in the stool sample during the testing period. However, regular screening for colorectal cancer is recommended.

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What instrument is used to perform a colonoscopy?

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A colonoscope is used to perform a colonoscopy. This instrument is used to view the inner lining of the large intestine, that is, the rectum and colon. It is a thin, flexible tube ranging from 48 in. (125 cm) to 72 in. (183 cm) long, and has a small video camera attached for taking pictures or videos of the large intestine (colon). The doctor can view the entire colon and the lower part of the small intestine with a colonoscope.

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What are the risks associated with a Cologuard test?

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A Cologuard test may not be appropriate for everyone. This test is not a replacement for diagnostic or surveillance colonoscopy in high-risk individuals. Cologuard may not be appropriate if:

• The patient has a family history of colon cancer.
• The patient has a personal history of colon cancer, polyps, or other related cancers.
• The patient had a positive result for another screening method in the last six months.
• The patient has been diagnosed with a condition that places him/her at high risk for colon cancer such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, familial adenomatous polyposis.
• The patient has been diagnosed with a relevant cancer syndrome passed on from his/her family.

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