Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 1, 2026

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
06:15

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus

Published on: March 6, 2019

The incidence of guiac positive stools in newborns and infants

K S Gralton1

  • 1Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI, USA.

Pediatric Nursing
|May 25, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Fecal occult blood was detected in 22.8% of hospitalized infants without gastrointestinal issues. This finding suggests causes beyond milk-related sensitivities for positive occult blood tests in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Occult blood in stool can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Identifying the cause is crucial for appropriate infant care.
  • Hospitalized infants may present with non-gastrointestinal medical problems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of fecal occult blood in hospitalized infants.
  • To investigate infants with medical issues unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 180 infants aged 2 days to 1 year.
  • Stool samples were collected during hospitalization.
  • Propper Seracult test was used for in vitro diagnostic evaluation of fecal occult blood.

Main Results:

  • 77.2% of infants had negative results for fecal occult blood (guaiac negative).
  • 22.8% of infants showed positive results for fecal occult blood (guaiac positive) during their hospital stay.

Conclusions:

  • Positive fecal occult blood tests in most infants were not linked to milk-based formulas or breast milk.
  • Findings suggest non-allergic, non-milk-induced enterocolitis as potential causes.
  • Further investigation is needed to determine the etiology of occult blood in this population.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Detection and Genogrouping of Noroviruses from Children's Stools By Taqman One-step RT-PCR15:16

Detection and Genogrouping of Noroviruses from Children's Stools By Taqman One-step RT-PCR

Published on: July 22, 2012

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers07:18

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers

Published on: January 9, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test01:30

Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test

Gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostic studies are pivotal in confirming, ruling out, diagnosing, or staging various diseases, including cancers. Following diagnosis, allocating time for discussions with the patient and providing informational resources is crucial. Diagnostic assessments of the GI tract often occur in outpatient settings like endoscopy suites or GI labs. Preparation for these tests may include dietary restrictions, fasting, liquid bowel preparations, laxatives, enemas, and the...
Giardiasis01:12

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a globally prevalent intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis). This flagellated protozoan is the most frequently identified intestinal parasite in the United States and worldwide. Transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route, with infection arising from ingestion of water or food contaminated with cysts. Individuals in low-resource settings, international travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, daycare...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Lower GI Series: Barium Enema01:23

Lower GI Series: Barium Enema

A Barium Enema, or a lower GI series, is a specialized radiographic examination designed to visualize the lower gastrointestinal tract, specifically the colon and rectum. This procedure is instrumental in diagnosing various conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...