Why might I need this test?

Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and early detection is vital. The sooner it is detected, the greater are the chances of successful treatment. If it is treated at an early stage, the survival rate exceeds 90%.

95% of cases of colon cancer develop from polyps, which are benign tumours growing inside the colon. Typically, they do not cause any pain, and often remain undetected for many years before becoming malignant. At this stage, the hidden early stages of colon cancer can be detected by
a simple test for blood in the stool. The test enables you to increase your chances of early detection and thereby reduce your risk considerably.

When should I test?

Above the age of 40, if not sooner, everyone should perform an annual test for blood in the stool. It may be better to start testing before reaching 40 if for example, there is a history of colon cancer or polyps in your family. The test serves to identify blood in the stool which is not yet visible.
Colon polyps bleed occasionally, and colon cancer will reveal blood at a very early stage. If, when performing this test, you detect blood in your stool, you should see your doctor in order for the medical reasons to be identified. What makes this test unique is that you do not need to
restrict your eating habits in any way in order to perform it, and it can be conducted simply and easily at any time of day, giving you a result within just a few minutes.

How high are my chances of developing colon cancer?

The cause of colon cancer is largely unknown. However, a yearly faecal occult (blood in the stool) test is recommended from the age of 40. If colon polyps have been diagnosed in parents or siblings this test should be performed at an earlier age, and at shorter intervals. Remember, if you are experiencing any symptoms that you are worried about, you should consult your doctor for help and advice. For more information on colon cancer and symptoms associated with it click here.

How does this test work?

Please note:

• Do not allow your stool sample to come into contact with water in the toilet.
• Women only: The test must not be performed during or for up to 3 days after your period.

Contents of Package

• 1 sealed aluminium pouch containing:
• 1 test device and desiccant,
• 3 paper faecal sample collection strips,
• 1 tube containing 2 ml of extraction solution in a protective plastic bag,
• 1 instruction for use.

Materials required but not provided
Watch with a second hand and a clean paper tissue

Instructions for use

Preparation

1) Collect the samples using the special collection paper which allows you to do it with comfort and hygiene.

Taking a stool sample

2) Use the stick of the collection tube and collect the sample three times in three different days.

3) The sample is closed inside the tube.

Preperation of the test cassette
First tear open the sealed foil pack where indicated at the notch, take out the orange test cassette and place it on a dry, even surface. The desiccant (a small white pouch) should be discarded unopened with your regular household waste.

Testing the sample
4) Add the diluent, wait for 10 minutes and read the result.

Evaluating test results

Positive result
The test is positive if, within the reaction time of five minutes, two purple lines appear in the result window of the test cassette at both “C” and “T”, even if the line shown at “T” is very faint. This means that blood has been detected in your stool. You should visit your doctor and ask for a more detailed medical examination to be undertaken.

Negative result
The test is negative if only one purple line appears in the result window at “C”. This means that no blood was detected in your stool sample.

Invalid test
The test is invalid if, after 5-10 minutes, no purple line appears at all. Reasons for an invalid test result include a damaged foil pouch, improper storage, or a mistake when performing the test. Please keep
all test components and contact the manufacturer of the test.

Note: After 15 minutes, the test results can no longer be interpreted reliably. Please therefore discard the test cassette once you have assessed your test result.

What should I do if the test result is positive?
Discuss the result with your doctor. Besides colon polyps and colon cancer, several other conditions may produce a positive test result. Inflammatory bowel conditions, haemorrhoids or changes in the digestive tract are some of the possible causes, and must be taken into consideration by your doctor. It might be helpful to take these instructions with you to show your doctor, so you can give him or her a better idea of the type of test carried out.

What should I do if the test result is negative?
A negative result does not entirely exclude the possibility of a bowel condition, since some colon tumours only bleed intermittently. Around 25% of tumours do not bleed constantly. For this reason, it is important to test yourself or arrange to be tested annually from age 40 at the latest in order to keep your risk as low as possible.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Always consult your doctor before making any important medical decisions.

Production information:
Alcohol and a number of medicines such as acetyl salicylic acid (aspirin), glucocorticoids, non-steroidal antiphlogistic / anti-rheumatic agents or cumarin derivates may cause gastrointestinal bleeding (and therefore avoidable, positive results). Please consult your doctor before performing
the test if you are taking such medication. Haemorrhoids or blood in the urine may also produce a positive test result.
This test is an immunological test for identifying blood in the stool, which works by detecting human haemoglobin (hHB).
Test components of animal origin (such as antibodies) are potentially infectious material, but present no risk to health provided that all test components are used in accordance with the instructions.
The buffer solution contains harmless concentrations of sodium azide.

For full instructions on how to use these tests click one of the links below

Bowel FOB Test – EN-ES-PT
Bowel FOB Test – DE-FR-IT