Related Experiment Videos
The incidence of occult bleeding per rectum in a general practice in Scotland: a study using haemoccult
Insights
This study evaluated the Haemoccult test for detecting occult bleeding per rectum in a rural Scottish practice. The test proved acceptable and suitable for screening, despite variable compliance rates and a low positive result rate.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Preventive Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Occult bleeding per rectum is a potential indicator of colorectal pathology.
- Screening for early detection can improve patient outcomes.
- The Haemoccult test is a widely used method for fecal occult blood testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the Haemoccult test as a screening tool for occult bleeding per rectum.
- To evaluate compliance rates and diagnostic yield in a general practice setting.
Main Methods:
- A screening program utilizing the Haemoccult test was offered to 405 individuals aged 45-65 years.
- Two methods of contact were used: verbal and postal, with differing compliance rates recorded.
- Positive test results were followed up to determine the cause of bleeding.
Main Results:
- Verbal contact achieved 85.2% compliance, while postal contact yielded 59.5%.
- Overall, 2.6% of participants returned positive Haemoccult tests.
- Identified causes of bleeding included diverticular disease, hemorrhoids, and a possible polyp; one case remained unexplained.
Conclusions:
- The Haemoccult test is an aesthetically acceptable and suitable screening technique for occult bleeding per rectum.
- Variable compliance rates highlight the importance of optimized patient outreach strategies.
- Further investigation is warranted for unexplained positive results.
Abstract:
Haemoccult (Eaton Laboratories) was offered to all 405 subjects aged 45 to 65 years in a Scottish, rural general practice as a screening test for occult bleeding per rectum. Subjects contacted verbally had a compliance rate of 85.2 per cent and those by post 59.5 per cent--2.6 per cent (7) returned positive tests. Of these seven, one refused follow-up. Two had diverticular disease, one had haemorrhoids, one had a possible polyp, one had ingested aspirin and also had a few diverticula. In one patient, no cause of bleeding was found. The last two and one with diverticular disease were negative on re-testing. In general, the test was aesthetically acceptable to undertake for both patient and doctor and provided a suitable screening technique for occult bleeding.