SKIMS faces shortage of stool occult blood test reagent

Srinagar, Jun 12: The Department of Pathology at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Srinagar, has informed that they are currently facing a shortage of the reagent required for the “stool for occult blood” test, indicating the test cannot be performed in their clinical pathology lab until further notice.
The department of pathology in a communique addressed to the Medical Superintendent of SKIMS, highlighting the unavailability of the reagent, ortho-tolindine.
The communique has also advised that the information be communicated to the cash counter to prevent patients from being charged for the unavailable test.
The stool for occult blood test, also known as the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), is a diagnostic procedure used to detect hidden (occult) blood in the stool. This test is often part of routine screening for colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal conditions, as the presence of blood in the stool can be an early indicator of many diseases.
It is unclear at this time how long the shortage will last. Patients in need of the stool occult blood test have been advised to contact SKIMS for further information and alternative testing options. (KDC)