Diagnostic accuracy of a quantitative faecal immunochemical test vs. symptoms suspected for colorectal cancer in patients referred for colonoscopy

Objective: Determine diagnostic accuracy of a quantitative faecal immunochemical haemoglobin test (QuikRead go® FIT, Orion Diagnostica Oy) in symptomatic patients referred for colonoscopy, at various cut-offs and for one or two tests.Methods: Patients referred to four endoscopy units in mid-Sweden between 2013 and 2017 provided information on lower abdominal symptoms and faecal samples from two separate days prior to colonoscopy.Results: In all, 5.4% (13/242) patients had colorectal cancer (CRC). For one FIT at cut-off 10 µg Hb/g faeces, sensitivity for CRC was 92% (95% CI 78–100%) and specificity 77% (95% CI 72–83%); equal to 74%; 95% CI 68–80 (178/242) colonoscopies potentially avoidable and one CRC missed. Based on the maximal outcome of two FITs, sensitivity was 100%, specificity 71% (66–77%) and 68%; 95% CI 62–74 (160/237) colonoscopies potentially avoidable. Among 17% (42/242) patients with one FIT of >200 µg Hb/g faeces, 85% (11/13) had CRC. Positive predictive values of FIT varied 16.9–26.2% depending on cut-off and one or two FITs, whereas NPVs were 99% and above in all scenarios.In 60 patients reporting rectal bleeding, one FIT at cut-off 10 µg Hb/g discriminated well between CRC and other conditions (p = .001). In regression models, FIT was more important than age, sex and all symptoms.Conclusion: One or two FITs in symptomatic patients referred for colonoscopy imply powerful risk stratification abilities for CRC, even among patients reporting rectal bleeding. Larger studies in various settings will clarify how to make the best use of this opportunity. Trial registration: Clinicaltrails.gov NCT 02491593