The Hemo-matic Analyzer: a new occult blood testing device

Area of Science:

• Clinical diagnostics
• Gastroenterology
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Fecal occult blood testing is crucial for early colon cancer detection.
• Traditional guaiac-based tests (e.g., Hemoccult II) have limitations due to strict dietary requirements and interference from various substances.
• A need exists for more sensitive and user-friendly screening methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the sensitivity and performance of the Hemo-matic Analyzer.
• To compare the Hemo-matic Analyzer with the Hemoccult II test for fecal occult blood screening.
• To assess the impact of interfering substances and sample stability on the Hemo-matic Analyzer's performance.

Main Methods:

• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the Hemo-matic Analyzer's sensitivity.
• Comparative analysis against the Hemoccult II test.
• Assessment of interference from ascorbic acid, plant peroxidase, and red meat.
• Evaluation of sample stability over time.

Main Results:

• The Hemo-matic Analyzer demonstrated approximately six times greater sensitivity than Hemoccult II.
• The device was unaffected by ascorbic acid, plant peroxidase, or red meat ingestion.
• Positive results remained stable for over 10 weeks post-preparation.
• The analyzer's filter electrostatically binds Hb, excluding interfering substances.

Conclusions:

• The Hemo-matic Analyzer is a highly sensitive and robust device for fecal occult blood screening.
• It offers significant advantages over conventional guaiac card tests, including simplified patient compliance and improved accuracy.
• This technology represents a valuable advancement for early colon cancer detection programs.