Comparison of Five Guaiac Resin Paper Tests for Demonstrating the Presence of Blood in Faeces

Abstract

Four recently available kits of resin-guaiac impregnated paper for demonstrating the presence of blood in [human] feces [diagnostic testing for early asymptomatic colorectal carcinoma] were compared with Hemoccult II in in vitro testing. Hemo-FEC most closely resembled Hemoccult II in its sensitivity with freshly prepared kits and kits prepared 1 wk earlier with or without rehydration before testing. Gamma Fe-Cult and Fecatest were more sensitive than Hemoccult II, whereas Camco-Pac Guaiac was much less sensitive. Rehydration of kits prepared several days beforehand appears to be useful in restoring sensitivity lost by all the kits tested.