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Stool guaiac test

• Overview
• Risks
• Results

Alternative Names:

Guaiac smear test; Fecal occult blood test - guaiac smear; Stool occult blood test - guaiac smear

Normal Values:

A negative test result is normal.

What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal results may indicate:

• Colon polyps
• Colon cancer or other gastrointestinal (GI) tumors
• Esophagitis
• Gastritis
• GI trauma or bleeding from recent GI surgery
• Hemorrhoids
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Peptic ulcer
• Angiodysplasia of the GI tract
• GI infections
• Esophageal varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy

Additional non-GI related causes of positive guaiac test may include:

• Nose bleed
• Coughing up blood

Abnormal tests require follow-up with your doctor.

• Review Date: 10/13/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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