Evaluation of a 'DIY' test for the detection of colorectal cancer

A new type of faecal occult blood test, EZ-Detect, has been evaluated in 404 patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of colorectal disease. The test avoids handling of stools and gives a result which patients can read themselves--factors which may increase patient compliance. In comparison with the Haemoccult test, EZ-Detect has the same sensitivity for blood in laboratory conditions. In clinical use 98% of patients expressed a preference for EZ-Detect but it detected significantly fewer patients with cancer than did Haemoccult (P = less than 0.05). In its present form, this type of test would be unsuitable for population screening for colorectal cancer even if improved compliance is achieved.