What does “FOB” mean in a medical context?

In a medical context, “FOB” stands for Fecal Occult Blood. This term refers to blood that is not visible to the naked eye and is found in fecal matter. Testing for fecal occult blood is an important diagnostic tool used primarily in screening for conditions such as colorectal cancer or gastrointestinal bleeding. The test can help detect very small amounts of blood that may indicate a serious underlying condition, even before symptoms arise.

In contrast, the other terms either do not represent established medical abbreviations or lack the specific context associated with gastrointestinal health. Understanding this terminology is important for medical professionals, including scribes, as they document patient health information and contribute to effective patient care.