Heamstrips (Occult Blood Strips)

Hemastrips, also known as occult blood strips, are a type of medical test strip used to detect the presence of occult blood in various bodily fluids such as urine, stool, or vomit. Occult blood is blood that is not visible to the naked eye and can indicate a variety of medical conditions such as colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal bleeding, or inflammatory bowel disease.

The Hemastrips test involves applying a small amount of the fluid to be tested onto the test strip. The strip contains a chemical reagent that reacts with the hemoglobin in blood, causing a color change on the strip. The color change is then compared to a color chart to determine the presence and amount of occult blood in the sample.

Hemastrips are commonly used in medical settings, such as hospitals and clinics, to screen for the presence of occult blood in patients with suspected gastrointestinal bleeding or other conditions that may cause blood to appear in bodily fluids. The test is simple to perform, requires minimal equipment, and provides rapid results, making it an effective tool for screening large numbers of patients.

It is important to note that a positive Hemastrips test does not necessarily indicate a specific diagnosis, and additional diagnostic tests may be required for definitive diagnosis. False-positive results can also occur due to other factors such as certain medications or dietary factors, so it is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about the results of the test.