SP1.1.13Assessing quantitative FIT within the colorectal two-week wait pathway as a triage tool to focus endoscopy services

Abstract

Abstract Aims Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical test (qFIT) is highly specific for luminal colonic pathology. This study models the potential impact on health care services of its introduction as a tool of triage for the 2-week wait referrals pathway. The Model utilises the recently published NICEFIT tudy. Methods All symptoms and results for patients within the colorectal two-week wait pathway are prospectively collated into a relational database. We modelled the impact of introducing targeted FIT testing to those patients without anaemia, rectal mass or overt rectal bleeding. Based on the recent NICEFIT Study, we set a population positivity value of 37% at 2µg/g with sensitivity of identifying colorectal cancer of 97%. Results 4240 patients were referred in 12 months up to till July 2019. 1333 referrals met the modelled criteria. These 1333 patient events generated 1619 investigations in 1227 patients. Malignancy was found in 4.3% of the investigated referrals (2.8% colorectal, 1.5% extracolonic). By applying FIT to the selected demographics with a positive value of 37%, the number of colonoscopies would fall by 63% (from 815 to 303) with estimated cost saving of £192,000. The FIT negative group would be investigated by selective cross-sectional imaging, with selected use of endoscopy as needed. Conclusion The high sensitivity of FIT permits its application as a screening tool in selected symptomatic patients. This can reduce the number of colonoscopies performed by almost 63% within a defined patient group. This would reduce the waiting time for positive high-risk patients as well as cutting overall costs.