Physician's Weekly Article - FOBT Beliefs & Practices

       A survey of primary care physicians (PCPs) has found that many PCPs appear to use inappropriate methods to screen for fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and are deviating from evidence-based guideline recommendations. Most PCPs reported using standard guaiac tests, but higher sensitivity guaiac tests and immunochemical tests were used by only 22.0% and 8.9% of PCPs, respectively. In-office testing of a single specimen collected during a digital rectal examination was widely used even though it has been deemed inappropriate for screening. About half (52.9%) of PCPs reported using both in-office and home tests. The authors noted that intensified efforts to inform physicians of recommended FOBT techniques and promote the use of tracking systems are needed.

      Source: Journal of General Internal Medicine, April 10, 2010.