[stephen37]

Is a small amount of Bright red blood on outside of stool common or a bigger sign of something more serious?What is generally a bigger red flag, bright red blood or dark tarry stools?

 

[Spaceman2010]

Bright red is usually fine. Just check for some sort of hemorrhoids or anal fissures (which are very common). Dark tarry stools are a bit more serious I suppose.

 

[ccinami]

Bright red blood is usually caused by external fissures(like a paper cut in a bad spot), while dark stool is a sign of blood IN the stool itself and needs to be discussed with your GI Dr..