Stool Occult Blood Test: Same-Day Appointment (2024)

Stool Occult Blood Test

Authored By: Dr. Leonard Leng.
Last updated: 27 Aug 2024.

A stool occult blood test, also known as Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), is designed to detect hidden (occult) blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of conditions such as colorectal cancer, ulcers, polyps, or gastrointestinal bleeding. From 2017 to 2021, colorectal cancer was the second most common cancer in Singapore with over 6,697 cases diagnosed. Male Chinese Singaporeans also have higher incidence rates among the local population.

Given the prevalence of colorectal cancer among men locally, early detection is vital to improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. Regular screening is recommended to start at age 50 for those without risk factors, and earlier for those with risk factors such as a family history of colorectal cancer.

How Does Stool Occult Blood Test Work?

A Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a type of FOBT which uses antibodies to detect a blood protein called haemoglobin in the stool, indicating the presence of blood. It is more specific to human blood and does not require dietary restrictions, making it more convenient for patients.

Haemoglobin in stool detected by FIT.

Why Do a Stool Occult Blood Test?

The primary benefit of FOBTs is early detection of colorectal cancer, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality rates. Additional benefits can include:

  • Non-Invasive and Convenient: FOBTs are simple, non-invasive tests that can be performed conveniently at home.
  • Cost-Effective: Compared to other diagnostic methods like colonoscopy, FOBTs are cost-effective, making them more accessible.
  • Detection of Other Conditions: Besides colorectal cancer, FOBTs can help detect other conditions that cause gastrointestinal bleeding, such as ulcers, polyps, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Early detection can lead to better overall health outcomes.
  • Regular Monitoring: Regular FOBT screening provides ongoing monitoring, helping to detect any changes early and initiate further diagnostic procedures such as a colonoscopy. For individuals with higher risk, such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer, colonoscopy would be recommended for regular screening instead.
Regular screening through Stool Occult Blood Testing.

How Is a Stool Occult Blood Test Performed?

A FIT is typically conducted at home using a test kit provided by a doctor to collect a stool sample. The procedure involves the following steps:

  • Consultation: Consult with your doctor and collect the provided sample collection kit.
  • Sample Collection: Use the provided kit to collect stool samples at home. This often involves using a brush or applicator to smear a small sample of stool onto a test card or into a sample tube.
  • Sample Submission: Seal the samples as directed and return them to the clinic, either by mail or in person.
  • Testing and Results: The samples are sent to a laboratory to be analysed. A positive result indicates the presence of blood in the stool, warranting further diagnostic procedures, such as a CT colonography or colonoscopy, to determine the cause of bleeding.
Results of Stool Occult Blood Test.

Price for Stool Occult Blood Test in Singapore

At ATA Medical, we offer FIT as a standalone test or as part of our health screening packages:

Test Price*
Stool Occult Blood Test
Consultation $38.15
Stool Occult Blood - Immunological $27.25
Stool FEME - Ova, Parasites $44.69
Stool FEME & Stool Occult Blood $56.68
Stool Culture $54.50
Health Screening Packages With Stool Occult Blood Test
Crown $381
Crown Plus $485
Royal $667
Jewel $1415
*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.

Additionally, we also offer colonoscopy screening, which is claimable from MediSave for those aged 50 years and above. Consultation will be done at our clinics, while the procedure will be scheduled on another day to be performed by a specialist gastroenterologist at a day surgery centre.

Procedure Price*
Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD) From $1417
Colonoscopy From $2398
Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD) + Colonoscopy From $2943
*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST. Pricing as above for cash or direct payments. Payments via insurance claims may differ based on limitations of insurers.

These prices cover pre-screening consultation and post-screening review, and do not include additional procedures like biopsies, polyp removal, or medications.

How Long Does a Stool Occult Blood Test Take?

Consultation at our clinics will take no longer than 30 to 60 minutes during off-peak hours. After the consultation, you can bring home the test kit to collect the stool sample at home and return it to our clinic, where it will be sent for testing. The results will be sent to you within 1 to 3 working days.

Where to Do a Stool Occult Blood Test in Singapore

You can do a stool occult blood test at any of our two conveniently located clinics:

Summary

A stool occult blood test is a vital diagnostic tool used to detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions. Its non-invasive nature, convenience for at-home testing, and cost-effectiveness make it an essential part of routine health check-ups and disease prevention. Early detection through regular screening is crucial to improve treatment outcomes and overall health. If you are unsure if an FOBT is suitable for you, schedule a consultation with a doctor to discuss more.

Why Choose ATA Medical?

ATA Medical - One Stop Health Screening Clinic with X Ray, CT Scan, Mammogram and Ultrasound scans.
ATA Medical - One Stop Health Screening Clinic with X Ray, CT Scan, Mammogram and Ultrasound scans.
ATA Medical Orchard Clinic with Health Screening Nurses and Staff
Orchard Clinic
ATA Medical Tanjong Pagar Clinic with Health Screening Nurses and Staff
Tanjong Pagar Clinic
Patient having a health screening review with Dr Jana Lim of ATA Medical
Health Screening Review with Dr Jana Lim
Female patient undergoing ultrasound scan procedure at ATA Medical Clinic.
Mammograms & Ultrasound Scans with Female Staff
Female patient getting ready to undergo X-Ray procedure with a male staff assisting with the preparations.
One-Stop Clinic with X-Ray Facilities
Dr Leonard Leng of ATA Medical having a consultation session with a male patient.
Consultation About Men or Female Health With a Doctor of Your Choice

Our Esteemed Clientele Include

Esteemed clientele of ATA Medical include: Google, Smart Nation Singapore, SkillsFuture Singapore, J.P. Morgan, Samsung Electronics, and NTUC Income.

What to Expect

FAST RESULTS

We strive to deliver your results within 7 working days.

MINIMUM WAITING TIME

Our patient-oriented processes ensure your waiting time is kept to a minimum.

Friendly Service

Service is a top priority for us at ATA Medical.

Want to do health screening in the comforts of your home with your family or partner? Try our home-based health screening.

Email us at camden@atamed.sg for more information.

Book your Stool Occult Blood Test with us at 88838892

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A positive result indicates blood in the stool, which requires further investigation, typically a colonoscopy, to determine the cause.
Common causes include colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer, ulcers, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
No restrictions are needed for Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT).
No special preparation is needed for the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT).
Occult (hidden) blood can indicate serious conditions like colorectal cancer, but further tests such as a colonoscopy are needed to determine the exact cause.
A positive FOBT requires further investigation, typically a colonoscopy, to identify the source of bleeding.
Treatment depends on the cause found during further testing, such as medication for ulcers or surgery for polyps or cancer.
Abnormal results necessitate additional tests, usually a colonoscopy, to diagnose the cause of bleeding.
Consult a doctor if you see blood in your stool, especially with symptoms like weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or abdominal pain.
A negative test indicates no detectable blood in the stool. Positive results require further investigation.
Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is generally accurate and specific, but follow-up tests are necessary for confirmation.
FOBTs are ordered for routine colorectal cancer screening or to investigate symptoms like anaemia, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits.
The next step is usually a colonoscopy to locate and diagnose the source of bleeding.