Prescribe fecal occult blood test (FOBT) only for screening of colorectal cancer.

Oct 17, 2018

Prescribe fecal occult blood test (FOBT) only for screening of colorectal cancer.

Type of practice

Laboratory tests

Age

Adult, Geriatric

Topic Area

Gastroenterology

FOBT is a screening test, intended for asymptomatic individuals who fall within the risk group defined by the national or regional screening program. It is not a diagnostic test and therefore should not be performed in individuals presenting with signs or symptoms suggestive of possible colon disease, such as diarrhea, overt gastrointestinal bleeding, or iron-deficiency anemia. Unfortunately, 26–51% of FOBTs are performed inappropriately, leading to an increase in unnecessary colonoscopies and a higher risk of endoscopic complications.

Sources

1. Gluskin AB, Dueker JM, Khalid A. High Rate of Inappropriate Fecal Immunochemical Testing at a Large Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Fed Pract 2021;38:270-275. doi: 10.12788/fp.0142.
2. Soin S, Akanbi O, Ahmed A, et al. Use and abuse of fecal occult blood tests: a community hospital experience. BMC Gastroenterol 2019;19:161. doi: 10.1186/s12876-019-1079-9.
3. Lee MW, Pourmorady JS, Laine L. Use of Fecal Occult Blood Testing as a Diagnostic Tool for Clinical Indications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Gastroenterol 2020;115:662-670. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000495.

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Attention. Please note that these items are provided only for information and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a clinician. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their clinician.