Fecal Occult Blood Testing in Orlando, FL

Fecal occult blood testing is performed to check for trace amounts of hidden (occult) blood in stool, which may be a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract. The amount of blood may be so minimal that it cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Also known as a hemoccult test, a fecal occult blood test involves placing a small amount of stool on a strip of paper coated with guaiac, a plant substance that changes color in response to the presence of blood. A few seconds after the fecal sample is placed on the paper, a reaction will occur—specifically, the paper will turn blue—if any blood is present.

When Is Fecal Occult Blood Testing Recommended?

A physician may order a hemoccult test to help determine the cause of:

Abdominal pain
A change in bowel movements
Anemia
Weight loss

While fecal occult blood testing can be a useful diagnostic tool, it does have some limitations. For example, while it can detect trace amounts of blood in stool, it does not indicate the actual amount or source of the blood.

What Can Cause Bleeding in the Digestive Tract?

If fecal occult blood testing detects blood in stool, a physician may recommend a follow-up colonoscopy, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, or another test to help identify the source of the bleeding. Some possible causes include:

Precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum
Hemorrhoids
Diverticulosis
Ulcers
Colitis
Colorectal cancer

You can receive fecal occult blood testing and other routine lab testing services at Optimum Direct Care in Orlando, FL. As a member of our direct primary care practice, you have unlimited access to our board-certified family practice physician, Dr. Toni “Muzzi” Muzzonigro, who will help you meet all of your primary health care needs. Contact us to learn more about our practice and services.

“My husband and I were in search of a new physician when my neighbor mentioned that we should meet Dr Toni Muzzinigro who was a “Direct Primary Care” physician. We were not familiar with the term and were very intrigued. We made an initial appointment with her and learned so many things that we didn’t think existed anymore. Her main focus is on the patient and not the insurance companies! When she doesn’t have to worry about the bureaucracy and red tape of insurance companies, she has so much more time to listen to the patient and come up with a truly great level of care. The patient comes first and foremost. Our initial appointment was so thorough. She wanted to know every aspect of our past records. I felt like she really cared about us and her main goal was to keep us as healthy as possible. During our annual appointments, Dr. Muzzi schedules enough time to go over every concern you may have. Her explanations of test results are very thorough, and she is very knowledgeable of up to date medical breakthroughs. There have been some times during the year that we needed a doctor’s advice quickly. She is available to us basically 24/7. You can get in touch with her via phone, text, or video conferencing. Many things can be handled in a quick and timely manner. However, if there is a need to see her personally, getting in to see her doesn’t take weeks. Usually, you can make an appointment the very next day. How comforting is it to know that your doctor is always available to you and truly cares about your wellbeing! That is worth its weight in gold! Her staff are an added bonus! They run the office efficiently and take care of any other needs we may have. Another great advantage is that Dr. Muzzi has a network of specialists, labs, and resources available to us and at a discounted rate and free generic prescriptions. Personally, we like the fact that someone can help us navigate the medical system and direct us in the right direction. I simply can’t say enough. Dr. Muzzi has become our doctor as well as a good friend. She will always have our best interest at heart and her main goal is to provide the highest level of care. We are so thankful to have found Dr. Muzzi and Optimum Direct Care.”
Bambie A.

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