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Stool Tests for Colorectal Cancer - Results
About this test
- Test Overview
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Health Tools
- Why It Is Done
- How To Prepare
- How It Is Done
- How It Feels
- Risks
- Results
- What Affects the Test
- What To Think About
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
For some FOBT kits, you can read the results yourself. Other tests, including FIT and stool DNA, are read by your doctor.
| Normal: | A normal FIT or FOBT test means that there was no blood in your stool at the time of the test. A normal sDNA test means that no abnormal cells were found. Normal test results are called negative. |
|---|---|
| Abnormal: | An abnormal FIT or FOBT test means that there was some blood in your stool at the time of the test. An abnormal sDNA test means that some abnormal cells were found. Abnormal test results are called positive. |
Normal results
If a stool test is normal, it does not always mean colorectal cancer or colon polyps are not present. That's because these tests can miss polyps and some cancers.
Talk with your doctor about how often you should do a test, depending on your age and any risk factors you may have for colorectal cancer.
Abnormal results
A colon polyp, a precancerous polyp, or cancer can cause a positive stool test. With a positive test, there is a small chance that you have early-stage colorectal cancer.1
Talk with your doctor about what test you may need next. Most of the time, an abnormal stool test means that you will need to have a colonoscopy.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 27, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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