The feasibility and reliability of using a home screening test to detect gingival inflammation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of using a home screening occult blood test to detect the presence of gingival inflammation. Fifty (50) healthy male and female subjects participated in this study. Pre- and post-stimulation saliva samples were obtained and tested for occult blood. Subjects brushed for one minute to stimulate gingival bleeding associated with inflammation. Saliva samples were obtained and tested for occult blood using a commercial screening kit. Following the screening test, a bleeding index (BOP) was determined and used as an indicator of gingival inflammation. Those with a BOP > 50% were assigned to the high group. Those with a BOP of 31 to 50% were assigned to the middle group, and those with a BOP of < or = 30% were assigned to the low group. Twelve subjects in the high group, 10 subjects in the mid group, and 2 subjects in the low group tested positive for occult blood following stimulation. A chi-square analysis showed an association between the screening test for occult blood and the groups (P = 0.0001). The test sensitivity was 75.9% and the specificity was 90.5%.