Faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) can help to rule out colorectal cancer in patients presenting in primary care with lower abdominal symptoms: a systematic review conducted to inform new NICE DG30 diagnostic guidance.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study has attempted to assess the effectiveness of quantitative faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) for triage of people presenting with lower abdominal symptoms, where a referral to secondary care for investigation of suspected colorectal cancer (CRC) is being considered, particularly when the 2-week criteria are not met.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review following published guidelines for systematic reviews of diagnostic tests. Twenty-one resources were searched up until March 2016. Summary estimates were calculated using a bivariate model or a random-effects logistic regression model.

Results

Nine studies are included in this review. One additional study, included in our systematic review, was provided as 'academic in confidence' and cannot be

SUBMITTER: Westwood M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5654140 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature