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Choose collection locationStool Studies · Individual laboratory test
Occult Blood (Fecal Occult Blood/FOB)
This stool test looks for blood that is not visible to the eye. A positive result identifies bleeding and leaves the cause to be investigated.
Price for this test on its ownAED 160Test price AED 60
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Stool
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Fecal Occult Blood (FOB) test measure?
Also called Hidden Blood in Stool
Occult blood testing can be used in an appropriate bowel screening pathway or when a clinician is looking for a possible source of iron deficiency.
When it may be requested
Checking for invisible bleeding
The test looks for blood that may be present without an obvious change in stool colour.
Following a positive screen
A clinician can assess whether examination or colonoscopy is indicated.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenStool
Your checklist
Use the kit supplied for this test and follow its instructions on the sampling day. Tell the clinician about visible bleeding or menstruation before taking the sample.
Use the stool collection container or kit provided for this test. Keep urine and toilet water out of the specimen and follow the team’s return instructions.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideOccult Blood (Fecal Occult Blood/FOB)
Reading your result
The result indicates whether blood was detected in the sample. It does not locate the bleeding or distinguish causes such as a benign lesion and a condition needing further investigation.
What can affect it
- Bleeding can be intermittent. A negative result cannot exclude a cause of persistent symptoms.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testOccult Blood (Fecal Occult Blood/FOB)
- Specimen
- Stool
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Occult Blood (Fecal Occult Blood/FOB) in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Arrange clinical follow-up for detected blood even if symptoms are absent. Ask which investigation is appropriate for the source of bleeding.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
Compare the other tests in each package before choosing.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Does a positive stool blood result mean colorectal cancer?
No. Many conditions can cause bleeding. A clinician should review a positive result and decide which examination or follow-up test is appropriate.
Do I need to stop blood thinners before taking a stool sample?
Tell your clinician about blood thinners, aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines. Follow the collection kit instructions and seek prescribing advice before changing any medicine.
Can bleeding be missed on one collection?
Yes. Bleeding can be intermittent. Persistent symptoms or visible blood need a clinical assessment even after a negative screening result.
Can I repeat a positive stool screening test instead of having a colonoscopy?
After a positive colorectal cancer screening stool test, the usual next step is a colonoscopy to look for the source of bleeding. Bleeding can come and go, so a negative repeat sample does not cancel the first result. Contact the clinician who arranged the screening to plan follow-up.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore health packages.
Open a package to see exactly which tests it includes.
Cancer Markers (Female)
A defined selection of tumour markers, with a blood count and stool occult blood, for clinician-directed assessment. These results cannot confirm or rule out cancer on their own.
- biomarkers
- 28
- Samples
- Blood + Stool
- Listed turnaround
- 48 hours
AED 499
Explore package
Cancer Markers (Male)
A defined tumour-marker selection including PSA, with a blood count and stool occult blood, for clinician-directed assessment. Results cannot confirm or rule out cancer alone.
- biomarkers
- 27
- Samples
- Blood + Stool
- Listed turnaround
- 48 hours
AED 499
Explore package
Basic Health Checkup
Blood count, liver, kidney, cholesterol, blood sugar and urine tests: the essentials in one visit.
- biomarkers
- 63
- Samples
- Blood + Urine
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 199
Explore package
Basic Wellness
A complete blood count with liver enzymes, cholesterol, kidney markers and fasting blood sugar from one blood sample.
- biomarkers
- 31
- Samples
- Blood
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 129
Explore packageChoosing for a particular need?
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Your next step
Fecal Occult Blood (FOB) test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.