Immunological Fecal Occult Blood (iFOB) Test

Additional Information:

  • Fecal immunochemical tests do not detect upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to the breakdown of globin during intestinal transit
  • Patients with hemorrhoids or females who are menstruating should not undergo occult blood testing until the bleeding has ceased.
  • Urine or dilution of specimens with water from the toilet bowl may cause erroneous test results.

UFHPL Epic order code: LAB56100/LAB56101

CPT Code(s):

82274/G0328

Collection Procedure:

For more information on proper collection procedures, visit the Hemosure website.

Specimen Requirements:

  • Type: Random stool sample
  • Container/Tube: Hemosure Fecal Occult Blood Test Kit
  • Sample Volume: The sample must fill the grooved portion of the sample probe.
  • Preparation: The patient should dip the sampling bottle transfer wand into the stool for collection and place it back into the sampling bottle. Specimens must be collected in a sample vial within 4 hours of defecation.

To obtain an iFOB test kit and detailed collection instructions, contact UF Health Pathology Laboratories’ Client Services Department at 888.375.LABS (5227).

Stability (collection to shipping of the sample):

  • Ambient: 15 days
  • Refrigerated: 30 days
  • Frozen: Unacceptable
Unacceptable Conditions:

  • Unpreserved stool

Methodology:

Qualitative immunoassay

Reported:

Within 24 hours

Reference Values:

Negative

Performed:

Monday - Friday

Interpretation Data:

  • Positive Results: Further testing is recommended if clinically indicated. This test has 97 percent specificity for detection of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in colorectal cancer.
  • Negative Results: This test will not detect upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Additional testing should be ordered if clinically indicated.