The Bowel Health Test is a rapid test to qualitatively detect low levels of faecal occult blood. The test uses a double antibody assay to selectively detect faecal occult blood at 50 ng/ml or higher, or 6 μg/g faeces. In addition, unlike guaiac assays, the accuracy of the test is not affected by the diet of the patients.

The membrane is pre-coated with anti-haemoglobin antibodies on the test line region of the test. During testing, the specimen reacts with the particle coated with anti-haemoglobin antibodies. The mixture migrates upward on the membrane chromatographically by capillary action to react with anti-haemoglobin antibodies on the membrane and generate a coloured line. The presence of this coloured line in the test line region indicates a positive result, while its absence indicates a negative result. To serve as a procedural control, a coloured line will always appear in the control line region, indicating that the proper volume of specimen has been added and membrane wicking has occurred.

Many diseases can cause hidden blood in the faeces. This is also known as faecal occult blood (FOB), human occult blood, or human haemoglobin. In the early stages, gastrointestinal problems such as colon cancer, ulcers, polyps, colitis, diverticulitis, and fissures may not show any visible symptoms, but only occult blood. Traditional guaiac-based methods lack sensitivity and specificity, and also have diet restrictions prior to testing. When detected early, 9 out of 10 cases of bowel cancer can be treated successfully. 

Specimen collection & preparation

Specimens should not be collected during or within three days of a menstrual period, or if the patient suffers from bleeding haemorrhoids or blood in the urine.

Alcohol, aspirin and other medications taken in excess may cause gastrointestinal irritation resulting in occult bleeding. Such substances should be discontinued at least 48 hours prior to testing.

No dietary restrictions are necessary before using the Bowel Health Test.

Procedure

1. Secure the collection paper to the toilet using the adhesive tabs. Collect the stool sample in the collection paper. 

2. Unscrew the cap of the specimen collector tube, then insert the blue applicator into the stool in at least 3 different places. You only need a small sample, about the size of a grain of rice. Screw the applicator back on tightly, then shake the tube to mix the specimen and the extraction buffer. 

3. You can now flush the stool and collection paper down the toilet - the paper is biodegradable.

4. Remove the test from the foil pouch. 

5. Unscrew the lid of the extraction buffer, break off the tip of the dropper then transfer 8-10 full drops of the extracted specimen to the reaction tube. Then with arrows pointing towards the extraction buffer, immerse the dipstick to the maximum line and start a timer. 

6. Read the results 5 minutes after dispensing the specimen. Do not read the results after 10 minutes.

Read the results 5 minutes after dispensing the specimen. Do not read the results after 10 minutes.

POSITIVE: Two coloured lines appear. One coloured line should be in the control line region (C) and another apparent coloured line should be in the test line region (T)*.

*NOTE: The intensity of the colour in the test line region (T) will vary depending on the concentration of faecal occult blood present in the specimen. Therefore, any shade of colour in the test line region (T) should be considered positive.

NEGATIVE: One coloured line appears in the control line region (C). No line appears in the test line region (T).

INVALID: Control line fails to appear. Insufficient specimen volume or incorrect procedural techniques are the most likely reasons for control line failure. Review the procedure and repeat the test with a new test. If the problem persists, discontinue using the test kit immediately and contact your local distributor.