Blood in Stools - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which doctor should I visit in case of blood in stools?

A: You could visit your family doctor or a surgeon to check for the cause of blood in stools. You may be referred to a specialist depending upon the suspected cause.

Q: What are the tests used to diagnose the cause of blood in stools?

A: A carefully taken medical history and thorough physical examination help in diagnosing the cause of blood in stools. Some tests that assist in the diagnosis are:

Blood tests: These include a complete blood count (CBC) and blood clotting tests

Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy may be performed to visualize inside of the colon. Upper endoscopy is done to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract including the esophagus, stomach, duodenum X-rays Abdominal CT scans.

Q: What is fecal occult blood?

A: Fecal occult blood is the blood in stools that is not visible to naked eyes. Its presence is diagnosed on the basis of chemical testing.