Experience with a wipe guaiac-based faecal occult blood test as an alternative test in a bowel screening programme

C. G. Fraser, P. J. McDonald, L. Colford, A. Irvine, M. Kenicer, C. Morton, J. Birrell, Robert Steele

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The format of the traditional guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT), particularly the collection technique, might cause difficulties for some. A multistage evaluation of alternative tests was performed. Firstly, four tests with different faecal collection approaches were assessed: a focus group recommended further investigation of a wipe gFOBT. Secondly, 100 faecal samples were analysed using two wipe tests and the routine gFOBT: no differences were found. Thirdly, a wipe gFOBT was introduced. Over 21 months, 400 requests were made and 311 wipe kit sets were submitted for analysis: 153 (49.2%) were negative, 21 (6.8%) positive (all 3 kits positive), 96 (30.9%) weak positive (1 or 2 positive) and 41 (13.2%) un-testable. Forty-three participants were referred for colonoscopy. Outcome data were provided on 39 participants: nine declined colonoscopy, two were judged unsuitable, two did not attend, two were already in follow-up, 13 had normal colonoscopy and two normal barium enema, two had diverticular disease, two had a metaplastic polyp, four had a low-risk adenoma and one had a high-risk adenoma. No participant had cancer. Detection of significant neoplasia was small. The use of the wipe gFOBT was ceased: it cannot be recommended as a screening test for bowel cancer.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)211-213
    Number of pages3
    JournalJournal of Medical Screening
    Volume17
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2010

    Keywords

    • Colorectal cancer

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