Understanding Occult Blood Test
The fecal occult blood test (FOBT), aka Stool Hemoglobin or Stool Blood, is a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) that qualitatively detects human hemoglobin from blood in fecal samples. It is often referred to as FIT.
This is a useful screening aid for detecting primarily lower gastrointestinal (G.I.) disorders that may be related to iron deficiency anemia, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, polyps, adenomas, colorectal cancers or other G.I. lesions that can bleed. It is recommended for use by health professionals as part of routine physical examinations and in screening for colorectal cancer or other sources of lower G.I. bleeding.
Colorectal cancer is… Continue reading
Colorectal Cancer: FIT Twice a Year After 50
Recent research data published in the September issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology confirms that an annual or biennial fecal immunological test (FIT) beginning at age 50 years in combination with a single colonoscopy at age 66 years is as effective as current colorectal cancer (CRC) screening guidelines. Moreover, the hybrid screening strategy requires fewer resources than the current CRC screening protocol. The findings are consistent with a recent US Preventive Services Task Force analysis.
The authors compared the hybrid screening strategy with single-modality screening using annual FIT, sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, and colonoscopy every 10 years. They also… Continue reading
Follow LabFlorida
