What Test Results Mean

A NEGATIVE result from a Hemoccult IIâ test means that there was no evidence of occult (hidden) blood detected in your stool specimen. However, this test is not a complete cancer detection examination; it only detects blood in the stool. A negative test does not absolutely confirm the absence of colon/rectal disease or other gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, you should bring to your doctor’s attention any new signs, symptoms or changes in your bowel habits.

A POSITIVE test result from a Hemoccult IIâ test means that there was evidence of occult (hidden) blood detected in your stool specimen. This means you have traces of blood in your stool. A single, positive Hemoccult screening does not mean you have cancer. Most often, a positive result is due to dietary factors or other easily treated digestive disorders.

If you test positive for occult (hidden) blood, contact your physician as soon as possible for a follow-up examination to determine the cause of the bleeding found in your test. He or she may discuss the significance of the results and perform additional diagnostic tests.

If you don’t have a personal physician, call UIC’s Information and Referral Center at 1 (800) 842-1002, so we can schedule an appointment for a follow-up exam.

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