Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their condition. Patients may wish to ask their doctors the following questions about fecal occult blood test (FOBT):

1. When should I have my first FOBT?
   
   
2. Should I stop taking any of my regular medications?
   
   
3. Do I need any preparation before I obtain my sample?
   
   
4. Will I need to conduct the test at home or will it be done in your office?
   
   
5. If it is done at home, where will I obtain the kit?
   
   
6. How many samples will I need to take?
   
   
7. When will I receive the test results and from whom?
   
   
8. What will follow if my test is positive?
   
   
9. What are the chances of a false-positive or false-negative test result?
   
   
10. How will you determine the cause of my bleeding?
    
    
11. How often will I need to conduct FOBTs?
    
    
12. If I have a colonoscopy, do I still need to conduct FOBTs?