How to Identify Blood in the Stool

Hidden blood in your stool may be the only early sign for detecting colon cancer. The National Cancer Institute recommends that people over 50 years of age test for fecal occult blood every one to two years. There are three methods available to test for fecal occult blood: two that the laboratory performs and an at-home method using disposable pads available at pharmacies without prescription.

Things You'll Need

• Fecal blood flushable reagent kit

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Instructions

• 1

  Purchase a fecal blood pad kit from any local pharmacy. EZ-Detect and ColoCARE are examples of brands you might use. The kit consists of three flushable pads, instructions and a result card.

• 2

  Read the kit instructions carefully. There should be a list for instructions on how to prepare for the test. You are generally advised to avoid dental procedures for up to three days before testing because gum bleeding may cause your fecal blood test to read positive. Some foods like red meat, broccoli and citrus fruits as well as some drugs like aspirin and colchicine may also falsely affect the test results. Avoid having the foods listed in your kit as part of your diet before testing, and consult with your doctor about any medications you are taking before stopping using them for the test.

• 3

  Follow the kit's instructions for testing your stool for hidden blood. Generally you are advised to urinate if you need to and flush the toilet before you proceed with the test. Place the flushable pad in the toilet after your bowel movement and watch for change of color in the pad, normally withing the first two minutes if fecal blood is present.

• 4

  Record the test result in the result card provided with the kit. A change of color is a positive result. If the pad color doesn't change, no fecal blood is present. Flush the toilet. Repeat the testing process with your next two bowel movements for a total of three times.

• 5

  Mail the result card to your doctor or take it with you to your next doctor's office visit. Make sure you set up an appointment with your doctor to discuss any abnormal findings.