SKIMS faces reagent shortage, halts stool occult blood tests

SRINAGAR — 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, highlighted the unavailability of the reagent, ortho-toluidine.

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 an occult blood test, also known as the faecal 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 stool occult blood tests have been advised to contact SKIMS for further information and alternative testing options.