Gut
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Testing for faecal calprotectin (PhiCal) in the Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Prevention trial on flexible sigmoidoscopy screening: comparison with an immunochemical test for occult blood (FlexSure OBT).
Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) using guaiac based faecal occult blood tests (FOBT) has an estimated programme sensitivity of >60% but <30% for strictly asymptomatic CRC in a single screening round. In search for improved non-invasive tests for screening, we compared a test for faecal calprotectin (PhiCal) with a human haemoglobin immunochemical FOBT (FlexSure OBT). ⋯ In colorectal screening, the performance of the PhiCal test on a single spot from one stool sample was poorer than a single screening round with FlexSure OBT and cannot be recommended for population screening purposes. The findings indicate a place for FlexSure OBT in FOBT screening.