A student nurse is assisting with colon cancer screening at the local health care clinic.The student is completing fecal occult blood testing on the stool specimens.This test is also referred to as a(n) _____ test.

A) melena
B) guaiac
C) amylase
D) alkaline phosphatase

Fecal Occult Blood Testing

A non-invasive test to detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colorectal cancer or other conditions.

Guaiac Test

A diagnostic test used to detect hidden (occult) blood in the stool, an important screening tool for colorectal cancer.

Melena

The medical term for black, tarry feces, indicating the presence of digested blood in the gastrointestinal tract, usually from an upper GI bleed.