Prevalence of repeat faecal immunochemical testing in symptomatic patients attending primary care.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) helps determine the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and has been integrated into symptomatic referral pathways. 'Safety netting' advice includes considering referral for persistent symptoms, but no published data exists on repeated FITs. We aimed to examine the prevalence of serial FITs in primary care and CRC risk in these patients.

Method

A multicentre, retrospective, observational study was conducted of patients with two or more consecutive f-Hb results within a year from three Scottish Health Boards which utilize FIT in primary care. Cancer registry data ensured identification of CRC cases.

Results

Overall, 135 396 FIT results were reviewed, of which 12 359 were serial results reported within 1

SUBMITTER: Johnstone MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10084108 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature