Avoid stool testing for blood in patients with iron deficiency anemia or gastrointestinal symptoms who have observed fresh blood in their stool

Rationale:

Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) was developed for mass screening of asymptomatic patients at average risk for colorectal cancer. Patients with iron deficiency anemia and/or rectal bleeding should be evaluated for organic disease regardless. FOBT in these cases is unnecessary, as further investigation is required. Additional tests like FOBT may delay the necessary diagnostic process. 

References:

• Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2012 Nov;24(11):1266-9. doi: 10.1097/MEG.0b013e328313bbd3.
• Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014 Oct;28(9):489-94. doi: 10.1155/2014/697103.