Hemoglobin (as detected in human stool)

"Occult hemoglobin in human stool" refers to the detection of small amounts of hemoglobin—the oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells—in fecal samples. This is not itself a molecular target like an enzyme or receptor but rather an analyte measured by laboratory tests such as the fecal occult blood test (FOBT). The presence of occult hemoglobin indicates hidden gastrointestinal tract bleeding that may result from various causes including polyps, colorectal cancer, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, and other lesions. Detection methods include chemical-based guaiac tests and immunoassays that specifically bind to human hemoglobin. The main clinical use is as a noninvasive screening tool for early detection of colorectal cancer and other sources of GI tract bleeding. A positive test result warrants further diagnostic procedures but does not specify the underlying cause or location[1][2][7].

Other names

Occult blood in stoolFecal occult bloodStool occult bloodHidden blood in stoolFOBT target