Warfarin & Stool Tests: Understanding Potential Interactions

Question
My husband is taking Warfarin and his doctor says it's okay for him to take one of those occult blood in the stool tests, the Warfarin won't give him a false positive. What do you say?


Answer
Loretta,

Warfarin in and of itself will not report a false positive.  However, if there is ANY GI bleeding any blood thinner could make it appear worse then it is.

If the test is positive it will most likely be followed up with further testing (colonoscopy for example).

JP Saleeby, MD
www.saleeby.net