Hemoccult is a medical test used to detect the presence of blood in stool samples. It is commonly used as a screening tool for conditions like colorectal cancer and gastrointestinal bleeding. The test involves applying a small amount of stool to a special card that contains chemicals that react with hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells. If blood is present, a color change occurs, indicating a positive result. Patients are usually advised to follow specific dietary restrictions before the test to avoid false positives. A positive result typically leads to further diagnostic procedures, such as a colonoscopy, for a more thorough examination.