Immunochemical detection of human blood in feces

We have developed a new immunochemical test for fecal occult blood utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of human hemoglobin (HbAo) and transferrin (Tf) simultaneously. The ELISA had a sensitivity of about 15 ng/ml Hb, and the measurable range was 1.5-750 micrograms Hb per g feces. The stability of Tf in feces was greater than that of Hb. In 17 out of 18 patients with colon cancer, 8 out of 15 patients with colon polyps, and 11 out of 20 patients with upper-gastrointestinal disorders. The Hb and Tf values were more than 10 micrograms/g feces, in terms of Hb concentration. The ELISA for human fecal HbAo and Tf might be useful for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders.