Immunochemical fecal occult blood tests (I-FOBTs) provide a superior alternative to the standard guaiac-based tests. Levi and coworkers show that the I-FOBT is more sensitive and specific than the guaiac-based tests for detecting occult bleeding. In addition, the I-FOBT output is a continuous variable, which means that a clinician can choose a positivity threshold to suit the patient's clinical characteristics. Screening rates for colorectal cancer should be similar to breast and cervical cancer screening rates. Quantitative I-FOBT may be the key to reaching that goal
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Thomas F. Imperiale (2007) studied this question.
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