Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Does A Positive Fecal Occult Test Report Suggest?

I’m a 70 yo, Caucasian male. Also a diabetic, which is a result of exposure to Agent orange. I was a U. S. Navy Corpsman, 1968-69.I just had a fecal occult test, with a positive result. I am not aware of any other symptoms. I must say, I’m very nervous. I have an appointment in 2-wks , with a Gastroenterologist. I had a colonoscopy 7-yrs ago and had a polyp which was negative, benign. I was told by Dr that it was unnecessary to have it every 5-yrs, and have it every 10 yrs. Interested in finding out what could be other causes of a positive test result. Thank you for your anticipate response.
posted on Tue, 20 Mar 2018
Twitter Sat, 12 May 2018 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 19 May 2018 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Once your colonoscopy report is normal, this is pretty assuring. In certain cases, where the test can be positive, which includes the following:
-Some vegetables, like turnips, cauliflower, radish
-eating red meat
-any source of GI bleeding (epistaxis, gingival bleeding, hemorrhoids)
-Aspirin and NSAIDs can also turn the test positive.

Therefore, another good idea is to get the test done again after restraining from the above things for a week.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Does A Positive Fecal Occult Test Report Suggest?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Once your colonoscopy report is normal, this is pretty assuring. In certain cases, where the test can be positive, which includes the following: -Some vegetables, like turnips, cauliflower, radish -eating red meat -any source of GI bleeding (epistaxis, gingival bleeding, hemorrhoids) -Aspirin and NSAIDs can also turn the test positive. Therefore, another good idea is to get the test done again after restraining from the above things for a week. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.