Colon Cancer (FOB) Test

Concentrated levels of FOB will show as a positive test result on the test region (T) of the cassette and the more intense the colour, the higher the concentration of FOB in the sample which can indicate a gastrointestinal issue or disease.

The results can then be used to seek further medical advice and to implement healthier lifestyle choices depending on the body’s condition.

The FOB rapid test detects low levels of FOB qualitatively and a double antibody sandwich assay is used. The test cassette membrane is precoated in an anti-Haemoglobin antibody covering the test line region (T) which the FOB in the specimen reacts with. The mixture migrates upwards by capillary action, reacting with the anti-Haemoglobin antibody and generating a coloured line.  Two coloured lines on the cassette in the C (Control) and T (test) regions indicate a positive result and a valid test result.

Blood in your stool means there is bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract. Sometimes very small amounts can only be detected by a Faecal Occult Test and sometimes it may visible on toilet tissue or in the toilet after a bowel movement. Bleeding that occurs in the higher digestive tract may make stool specimens appear black and tarry.

Persistently high concentrations of FOB can indicate early stages of gastrointestinal disease, however a diagnosis should not be based on the results of one single lateral flow test and further medical investigation should be sought.

References:

1. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/854083_2
2. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-stool-testing-blood-fecal-occult-blood-test

What’s included in the Colon Cancer Test:

1 x Test cassette
1 x Specimen collection tube with extraction buffer.
1 x Instructions
1 x Paper stool catcher

• Our home testing kit has been validated against industry standards with a 99.1% overall accuracy when compared to other FOB rapid tests.
• CE-approved sample kit.
• Testing is carried out in a variety of locations worldwide.
• Results do not substantiate a medical diagnosis on their own but may be used by your doctor to help form a diagnosis or request a secondary analytical test.
• It is possible that technical or procedural errors or other interfering substances in the urine specimen may cause erroneous results.

Important

All information in the reports produced is intended to support medical advice to optimise your health. The results cannot be used to diagnose, treat or cure medical/health conditions.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified health provider if you have a medical condition and/or medical symptoms. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it.

Over half of your blood contains plasma, which is made of water, salts, and protein, in addition to red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells (RBC) deliver oxygen from your lungs to your tissues and organs, including your gastrointestinal system.
Gastrointestinal bleeding (GI bleed) or gastrointestinal haemorrhage (GIB); means any form of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract that locationally can be from the mouth to the rectum.

There are two main types of gastrointestinal bleeding: upper gastrointestinal bleeding and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The diagnosis can begin with small amounts of bleeding detected in the faecal occult blood test, followed up with physical examinations, medical history and further medical investigations to locate the area of bleeding, endoscopy or medical imaging tools.

Small amounts of bleeding over a long period of time may cause iron-deficiency anaemia resulting in general fatigue or mild chest pain. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, shortness of breath, pale skin, dizziness, or fainting. In some cases, there are no symptoms and persistent small bleeds go undetected.

Significant gastrointestinal blood loss over a short time may include symptoms such as vomiting blood, bloody stool, or black tarry stool.

The causes of upper GI bleeds can include peptic ulcer disease, oesophageal varices related to liver cirrhosis and cancer, among other diseases. The causes of lower GI bleeds may include haemorrhoids, colon cancer, and a variety inflammatory bowel disease. Early detection can improve health conditions and my prevent serious gastrointestinal damage.

References:

1. The effectiveness of FOBT vs. FIT: A meta-analysis on colorectal cancer screening test Maryam Mousavinezhad, 1 Reza Majdzadeh,* 2 Ali Akbari Sari, 3 Alireza Delavari, 4 and Farideh Mohtasham 5 Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2016; 30: 366.
2. Effectiveness of screening for colorectal cancer with a faecal occult-blood test, in Finland J Pitkäniemi,1 2 K Seppä,1 M Hakama,1 3 O Malminiemi,4 T Palva,5 M-S Vuoristo,5 H Järvinen,6 H Paimela,7 P Pikkarainen,8 A Anttila,1 L Elovainio,1 T Hakulinen,1 S Karjalainen,9 L Pylkkänen,9 M Rautalahti,10 T Sarkeala,1 H Vertio,9 N Malila1 3 BMJ Open Gastro 2015;2:e000034. doi:10.1136/bmjgast-2015- 000034