Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

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What does the focal occult blood test detect?

Parasites and their ova
Bleeding hemorrhoids
Gastrointestinal pathogens
Colorectal cancer

The correct answer is: Colorectal cancer

The focal occult blood test is designed to detect hidden (occult) blood in the stool, which can be an early indicator of colorectal cancer. When abnormal growths such as polyps or tumors develop in the colon or rectum, they may bleed unnoticed, leading to small amounts of blood being present in the stool. The test is sensitive to these tiny amounts of blood, making it a valuable screening tool for identifying potential colorectal cancer in asymptomatic individuals. Early detection through this test is crucial, as it can lead to timely intervention and better outcomes for individuals at risk of colorectal cancer.