Occult Blood

Test Name Occult Blood
Alternate Name(s) OCC, FOBT
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Discontinuation of  Fecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT)

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The province has replaced FOBT with Fecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT).  FIT is a more sensitive and specific test for colorectal cancer screening and is expected to increase the detection of lesions including advanced adenomas and colorectal cancers.  

 

Although the old FOBT test has been available in the hospital for many years and used frequently, it is not a good diagnostic test in the work up of a patient with suspected GI bleeding as there can be many false positives.   As we transition to FIT testing, the continued use of this very poor diagnostic test may lead to inappropriate utilization of limited endoscopy resources. 

 

Therefore, in light of the provincial changes and with the support of  Medical Advisory Committee, we will be discontinuing FOBT as of June 1, 2019.     

 

For any questions/concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me - Dr. K. Chorneyko, ex. 2446.

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