Stool test
Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) Stool Test
£25.00
Screen your digestive tract for hidden bleeding with a private Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) test at Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria) in London.
This non-invasive stool test detects microscopic amounts of blood that are completely invisible to the naked eye. It is a highly effective frontline screening tool for investigating conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract, including polyps, stomach ulcers, and colorectal disorders.
With a fast 1-day turnaround, this targeted test delivers the reliable diagnostic data your doctor needs to identify potential sources of internal bleeding and determine if further clinical evaluation is required.
Gastroenterology & Gut Health
Private Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) Stool Test in London
Are you experiencing unexplained changes in your bowel habits, investigating the cause of iron-deficiency anaemia, or seeking proactive screening for your digestive health? At Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria), we provide a highly accurate Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) test. This simple, non-invasive stool test detects microscopic traces of hidden blood from the gastrointestinal tract, allowing clinicians to identify polyps, ulcers, and colorectal conditions early. Our expert team in central London ensures a discreet, efficient experience with results delivered in just 1 day.
📊 Test Specifications
Clinic Testing Fee
£25.00
Sample RequiredStool (Faecal) Sample
Turnaround Time1 Day Processing
PreparationNo special instructions
StatusSpecialist Laboratory Analysis
Diagnostic Focus
What is the Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) Test?
The gastrointestinal tract is a long, highly vascularised system. When minor bleeding occurs—whether from a stomach ulcer, an inflamed bowel, or a fragile polyp in the colon—tiny amounts of blood mix with your stool. Often, this bleeding is so minimal that it is completely invisible (“occult”) to the naked eye. The FOB test uses sensitive laboratory reagents to detect the haemoglobin present in these microscopic traces, providing an essential early warning sign of digestive tract pathology.
Colorectal Screening
Evaluating stool for hidden blood helps to:
- Screen for early signs of bowel cancer
- Detect bleeding intestinal polyps
- Identify lower gastrointestinal bleeding
- Triage patients for colonoscopy referrals
Upper GI Investigation
This test is highly useful because it:
- Assesses suspected bleeding stomach ulcers
- Investigates severe gastritis or esophagitis
- Evaluates unexplained abdominal pain
- Helps identify causes of dark, tarry stools
Anaemia Diagnostics
The laboratory provides critical data to:
- Investigate unexplained iron deficiency
- Locate the source of chronic blood loss
- Assess persistent fatigue and weakness
- Support comprehensive haematology workups
Clinical Uses
Why is Testing for Occult Blood Important?
Early detection in gastrointestinal disease is critical. Benign colon polyps can bleed intermittently for years before potentially developing into cancer. Because invasive procedures like endoscopies and colonoscopies carry minor risks and require preparation, the FOB test serves as an ideal, risk-free first step. It reliably identifies which patients urgently need internal imaging and which patients do not.
Evaluating Physical Symptoms
Specialists and GPs frequently request an FOB test when patients present with specific clinical signs, such as:
- Unexplained, persistent changes in bowel habits (e.g., prolonged diarrhoea or new-onset constipation).
- A diagnosis of iron-deficiency anaemia without an obvious cause (such as heavy menstruation).
- Recurrent, unexplained abdominal pain, cramping, or indigestion.
Proactive Health Screening
Even in the absence of symptoms, testing for hidden blood is a standard preventive healthcare measure:
- Routine screening for men and women over the age of 50 to catch pre-cancerous polyps early.
- Monitoring patients with a strong family history of bowel cancer or gastrointestinal disorders.
- Surveillance for individuals with a history of recurrent stomach ulcers.
Understanding Bowel Health
A Faecal Occult Blood test provides essential diagnostic clarity on your intestinal health. For further clinical guidance on bowel cancer screening and gastrointestinal symptoms in the UK, consult the official NHS guide on bowel cancer screening.
Clinic Excellence
Why Choose Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria)?
Specialist Laboratory Analysis
Your stool sample is securely transferred to an accredited specialist laboratory equipped to rapidly and accurately detect microscopic levels of haemoglobin.
Fast 1 Day Turnaround
We understand that investigating digestive symptoms or screening for cancer causes anxiety. Our highly efficient processing ensures your results are delivered in just 1 day.
Expert Central London Care
Conveniently located in Victoria, our clinic offers a welcoming and highly professional environment where you can collect your sample kit and receive guidance with total peace of mind.
Clear Pricing
£25.00 comprehensive test fee. Because this is a non-invasive stool test, there is absolutely no additional phlebotomy fee required. Our pricing is completely transparent.
Pathology Reports
How To Read Your Laboratory Results
Your report will clearly indicate whether occult blood was “Detected” (Positive) or “Not Detected” (Negative). A negative result means no hidden blood was found in the sample, which is highly reassuring. A positive result simply confirms that bleeding is occurring somewhere in your digestive tract. It is crucial to remember that a positive result is not a diagnosis of cancer; it is most commonly caused by benign issues like haemorrhoids, small tears, or ulcers. However, a positive result always requires further investigation by a doctor to locate the exact source.
Results Timeline: Your specialist gastroenterology report is available within just 1 day of sample submission.
Medical Consultation
Need Help? Private GP Consultations
Gastrointestinal bleeding requires prompt and careful clinical management. If your FOB test result is positive, or if you are troubled by persistent pain, changes in bowel habits, or severe fatigue, we offer private GP consultations on site. Our clinical team can review your report, arrange complementary blood tests (like a Full Blood Count to check for anaemia), and coordinate fast-tracked referrals to consultant gastroenterologists for an endoscopy or colonoscopy.
Clinic Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a blood test or a stool test?
The Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) test is a non-invasive stool test. You collect a small sample of your stool, and the laboratory analyzes it for microscopic traces of blood that have originated from your gastrointestinal tract.
What does “occult” mean in this context?
In medicine, “occult” simply means hidden. An occult blood test detects microscopic amounts of blood in your stool that are completely invisible to the naked eye.
How quickly will I get my results?
We understand that investigating bowel symptoms can cause anxiety. Our specialist laboratory processes faecal samples rapidly, delivering your comprehensive diagnostic results in just 1 day.
Does a positive result mean I have bowel cancer?
No. A positive result simply means bleeding is occurring somewhere in your digestive tract. The vast majority of positive results are caused by non-cancerous conditions such as haemorrhoids (piles), anal fissures, stomach ulcers, or benign intestinal polyps.
Are there any hidden clinic fees?
No. Because this is a stool sample collection test, there is no phlebotomy (blood draw) fee required. You simply pay the transparent £25.00 testing fee.
Online Trends
Most Searched Online Questions About Occult Blood
Can haemorrhoids cause a false positive?
Yes. Because the test detects haemoglobin, blood from active, bleeding haemorrhoids or anal fissures will trigger a positive result. If you know you are actively bleeding from piles, it is often recommended to wait until the bleeding has stopped before collecting your sample.
What is the difference between FOB and FIT tests?
Both test for blood in the stool. Traditional FOB tests (guaiac tests) detect haem enzyme activity and can sometimes be influenced by diet. The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a modern, highly specific version that uses antibodies to detect only human haemoglobin from the lower digestive tract, largely removing the need for any dietary restrictions.
What happens if my test is positive?
If your test is positive, your doctor will typically refer you for a colonoscopy or an upper endoscopy. These procedures involve using a small camera to look inside your digestive tract to visually locate the exact source of the bleeding.
Related Health Categories
Book Your Private Stool Test in London Today
Take Control of Your Gastrointestinal Health
Stop guessing about the cause of your digestive symptoms, unexplained anaemia, or bowel changes. Secure your fast-tracked Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) test at Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria) today. Visit our welcoming, discreet London clinic and let our expert clinical team support your gut health journey with clear, accurate diagnostic answers in just 1 day.
Related Profiles/Tests
Urine Test
Urine Test
Anaemia
Anaemia
Anaemia
blood tests
Stool test
