FOBT
Medical abbreviation · Gastroenterology
| Stands for | Fecal occult blood test |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
FOBT stands for Fecal occult blood test, a gastroenterology abbreviation.
Stool test that detects hidden blood, used for colorectal cancer screening and anemia workups. The traditional guaiac version (gFOBT) reacts with the peroxidase activity of heme and requires three samples plus dietary restrictions; it has largely been replaced by the antibody-based FIT.
Example: Annual guaiac FOBT positive on one of three cards; referred for diagnostic colonoscopy.
Usage notes
British spelling gives faecal occult blood test. Guaiac tests can be falsely positive after red meat, certain vegetables or aspirin, and falsely negative with vitamin C. A single sample taken during an office rectal exam is not an adequate screening test. Randomized trials in Minnesota, Nottingham and Funen showed that FOBT screening reduces colorectal cancer deaths.
Related abbreviations
More gastroenterology abbreviations
- EUS – Endoscopic ultrasound
- EVL – Endoscopic variceal ligation
- FAP – Familial adenomatous polyposis
- FD – Functional dyspepsia
- FIT – Fecal immunochemical test
- FMT – Fecal microbiota transplantation
- GAVE – Gastric antral vascular ectasia
- GEJ – Gastroesophageal junction
- GERD – Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- GES – Gastric emptying study
- GI – Gastrointestinal
- GIB – Gastrointestinal bleeding
See all 85 gastroenterology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.