Bright red blood may come from the lower digestive tract and can occur with hemorrhoids or small tears, but appearance alone cannot establish the source. Dark red blood can originate higher in the colon.
What to keep in mind
Black, sticky, tar-like stool can signal bleeding higher in the digestive tract. Iron, bismuth, and some foods can also darken stool, which is why clinical context matters.
Seek urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, black tarry stool, fainting, weakness, rapid heartbeat, severe pain, or vomiting blood. Any recurrent unexplained blood should be discussed with a clinician.