Evaluation of a 'DIY' test for the detection of colorectal cancer.
A new type of faecal occult blood test, EZ-Detect, has been evaluated in 404 patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of colorectal disease. The test avoids handling of stools and gives a result which patients can read themselves--factors which may increase patient compliance. In comparison with the Haemoccult test, EZ-Detect has the same sensitivity for blood in laboratory conditions. In clinical use 98% of patients expressed a preference for EZ-Detect but it detected significantly fewer patients with cancer than did Haemoccult (P = less than 0.05). In its present form, this type of test would be unsuitable for population screening for colorectal cancer even if improved compliance is achieved.
Tate
J J
JJ
University Surgical Unit, Southampton General Hospital.
Northway
J
J
Royle
G T
GT
Taylor
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008551:Melena / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009780:Occult Blood; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / Q000592:standards*
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic