Question

A medical assistant is assisting a provider with the collection of a stool specimen. The assistant should identify that which of

the following statements about the fecal occult blood testing process is true?
a. The specimen should be developed 1 min after collection.
b. The result is positive if a trace of blue color is detected on the edge of the smear.
c. Four drops of developer should be applied to the specimen.
d. The results can be interpreted immediately after the developer is applied.

Answer 1

A medical assistant should know that a trace of blue color on a fecal smear indicates a positive FOBT and that results require a development time after the developer is applied, as per the specific instructions of the test kit used. Therefore correct option is B

Step-by-step explanation:

The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is used to detect hidden (occult) blood in stool samples, which can be an early indicator of colorectal cancer. When assisting a provider with the collection of a stool specimen for FOBT, a medical assistant should understand that the detection of even a trace of blue color on the edge of the smear is considered a positive result. The procedure involves applying developer to the specimen; however, different tests have specific requirements for the number of drops and the development time before interpreting the results. Typically, the specimen needs some time to develop after the developer is applied, and instant results may not be accurate. Therefore, medical assistants should adhere to the instructions provided within the specific FOBT kit being used.