Should a 14-year-old with blood in their feces be worried?

Blood in the stool (rectal bleeding) can signify several medical conditions, and can be a sign of something serious. It's important that the 14-year-old be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will ask questions about the rectal bleeding, such as color of blood (bright red, dark red, or black), amount of blood (small amounts or large amounts), and if there is pain or other symptoms associated with it. The doctor may order tests, such as a stool sample, blood tests, or a colonoscopy, to diagnose the cause of the rectal bleeding.