OCCULT BLOOD Meaning and
Definition
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Occult blood refers to the presence of small amounts of blood that cannot be visually detected in bodily fluids, such as stool, urine, or gastric secretions. The term "occult" is derived from the Latin word occultus, meaning "hidden" or "secret". In medical contexts, occult blood is most commonly identified in the stool through a test called the fecal occult blood test (FOBT).
The presence of occult blood in stool may indicate an underlying medical condition, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, polyps, or colorectal cancer. It is essential to detect occult blood as it can be an early sign of these potentially serious conditions, prompting further diagnostic evaluations or medical interventions.
The FOBT is often performed as a screening tool for colorectal cancer, which allows for the early detection and treatment of this type of cancer. The test involves collecting a small sample of stool and applying a chemical reagent that reacts with blood, causing a color change. If the test result is positive for occult blood, further investigations, such as colonoscopy, may be required.
In summary, occult blood refers to the presence of blood that is hidden or invisible to the naked eye in bodily fluids. Detection of occult blood is crucial for identifying potential health issues, especially in the gastrointestinal tract, facilitating early diagnosis and appropriate medical care.
Common Misspellings for OCCULT BLOOD
- iccult blood
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- 9ccult blood
- oxcult blood
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- occylt blood
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Etymology of OCCULT BLOOD
The word "occult" in the term "occult blood" derives from the Latin word "occultus", which means "hidden" or "concealed". It is used in medical terminology to describe the presence of blood that is not visible to the naked eye but is detectable through laboratory tests.
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