AB065. SOH24AB_277. Enhancing early detection: the impact of faecal immunochemical test on identifying high-risk individuals at St Luke’s General Hospital Kilkenny

Background: Colorectal cancer is a significant health concern in Ireland, with approximately 2,500 new diagnoses annually, ranking as the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. To enhance early detection and improve treatment outcomes, non-invasive screening tools have been developed. Among them, the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) employs antibodies targeting human haemoglobin to identify occult bleeding in individual stool samples. In May 2023, the HSE Acute Operations Endoscopy Programme introduced FIT at St Luke’s General Hospital Kilkenny (SLGH) to identify high-risk patients on the routine colonoscopy waiting list.

Methods: This prospective, single-center study assessed the impact of FIT from May to August 2023. A total of 429 FITs were administered, and individuals with a high reading (>50 µg hemoglobin/g) were given an urgent colonoscopy appointment.

Results: Out of the 429 FITs administered, 372 were returned. Of these, 67 individuals with elevated FIT readings were scheduled for an urgent colonoscopy. Two individuals declined follow-up, while 5 patients are currently still awaiting colonoscopies. Among the 60 patients who completed colonoscopies, 17 had normal results, 19 had polyps present, 5 were diagnosed with cancer, 8 exhibited diverticular disease, 3 had hemorrhoids, 4 showed signs of colitis, and 2 had evidence of proctitis.

Conclusions: The incorporation of FITs as a triage aid at SLGH has played a pivotal role in expediting early diagnoses and ensuring timely interventions for patients with symptomatic bowel disease.

Keywords: Bowel screening; colorectal cancer; colonoscopy; early detection; faecal immunochemical test (FIT)