Experience with haemoccult screening in Hungary. A multicenter trial

Faecal occult blood screening studies employing the Haemoccult test were undertaken at six Hungarian gastroenterological centres. 3,791 subjects over the age of 45 years were screened. 97 positives were found and examined in detail. 24 colorectal tumors were discovered. In 13% of the positive cases the source of the bleeding could not be detected. While less sensitive than the standard guaiac reaction, the Haemoccult test is highly suitable for the detection of occult bleeding originating in the lower gastrointestinal tract. As it is easy to carry out and cheap, the Haemoccult test seems to represent the best currently available method for mass screening for colorectal tumors.