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20/02/2012 by admin.
Screening for faecal occult blood (FOB) is an established method of population screening for bowel cancers and pre-cancerous conditions such as polyps and inflamation. It is important to understand the test is not specific for cancer diagnosis. Screening tests must have a high specificity and sensitivity to offer accurate indicators for further diagnostic investigation. The FOB test kit is designed to screen asymptomatic populations for bowel cancer. Those with symptoms should consult their doctor.
The faecal occult blood tests work by detection minute amounts of blood present in the stool as a consequence of the underlying condition, which would not normally be evident on routine examination or be apparent to the patient. The traces can be detected well before other symptoms become apparent, making faecal occult blood screening a useful tool in well person population screening.
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK and the 2nd commonest cause of cancer deaths, affecting up to 1:20 of the general population and 37, 000 patients a year in the UK. Recently population faecal occult blood screening services have started to be offered by the NHS to 60-69 year olds every 2 years via GP community services. The FOB screening test is also commonly included in private health screeing programmes on a 2 yearly basis and is also available in home / self test kit formats
Pick up rates in the 60-69 year age band stand at approximately 2% per year, and confirmed positive results are referred for specialist colonoscopy investigation and diagnosis, of these half are normal, 40% will have polyps which can be treated during colonoscopy and 10% will have a cancer diagnosis and require specialist management. The FOB tests are not 100% accurate, but population faecal occult blood screening has been proved effective at reducing mortality (death) rates in the 60-69 year age band, if performed every 2 years.
The latest Laboratory point of care Faecal Occult Blood Tests incorporate test membranes that meet exacting CE IVDD quality standards for professional diagnostic biotech products such as the Mission FOB 50 test packs. These offer professional test kits accurate, highly cost effective, faecal occult blood screening.
Click here for more information on the Instalert professional clinic FOB test kits
Click here for more information on home faecal occult blood test kits
Click here for information on the NHS bowel cancer screening programme for over 60 year olds
Posted in Bowel cancer screening, Faecal Occult Blood Screening, FOB test, faecal Occult Blood Test | Print | 1 Comment »