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Note: the FOB test can only say that you are bleeding from somewhere in the gut. It cannot tell
from which part. If the test is positive then further tests will usually be arranged to find the source
of the bleeding. For example, endoscopy, colonoscopy, barium enema, various scans, etc.
A doctor may do this test in the GP surgery, or send a sample to the 'lab' for testing. Also, if
required, there are test kits that you can get at pharmacies which enable you to do the test at
home. Some people are issued with test kits to do testing at home.
Sometimes two or three FOB tests are done on two or three separate samples of faeces, obtained
on different days. This is because a bleeding disorder of the gut may only bleed 'now and then'.
So, not every sample may contain blood. A series of two or three samples done on several days
may be more accurate in detecting a bleeding gut disorder.
Therefore, in April 2006 a national bowel cancer screening programme is to be begin. All people in
the UK aged 60-69 will be invited to do an FOB test every two years. The aim is to detect people
with the early stages of bowel cancer. (For details, see www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/bowel/).