We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

Revolutionary Blood Test to Transform Early Diagnosis of Bowel Cancer

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 20 May 2022
Print article
Image: Accurate, non-invasive, inexpensive blood test will help diagnose bowel cancer early (Photo courtesy of Swansea University)
Image: Accurate, non-invasive, inexpensive blood test will help diagnose bowel cancer early (Photo courtesy of Swansea University)

Bowel (colorectal) cancer is the second most common cancer globally. It is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Early diagnosis of bowel cancer significantly reduces mortality rate. Current diagnostics tests such as colonoscopy or fecal blood detection kits can be invasive, unpleasant and expensive. Now, an accurate, non-invasive, inexpensive blood test can diagnose bowel cancer early and dramatically cut waiting times for diagnosis while reducing the need for unnecessary invasive procedures such as colonoscopies.

Researchers at Swansea University (Swansea, UK) have devised a simple Raman Spectrometry (RS) blood test which can return test results in under 20 minutes. Using innovations based around laser spectroscopy and artificial intelligence (AI) -based analytics, the test analyses cancer-driven metabolic activity in blood that their AI software is trained to interpret and diagnose. The test aims to break down patient anxiety with a highly accurate test to give rapid reassurance to those who have not got cancer and ensure they do not need an invasive colonoscopy. As a result, this will free up valuable endoscopy and colonoscopy resource and speed up treatment for those who have cancer while resulting in savings from a reduction of needless colonoscopies.

Results from a ground-breaking study involving 27 practices and 595 patients showed 79% of early-stage bowel cancers and 100% of advanced bowel cancers were picked up by the test. Early comparisons with other tests currently available in primary care have shown the RS blood test to have greater sensitivity for the detection of bowel cancer. Currently, a high number of unnecessary colonoscopies are conducted to ensure cases of bowel cancer are detected. Since the start of the pandemic, waiting lists for the procedure have significantly increased. These delays can reduce the chances of patient survival, with many people being diagnosed too late. The blood test hopes to change all that by providing accurate results within 48 hours, preventing unnecessary colonoscopies and relieving pressure on healthcare systems.

Related Links:
Swansea University 

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test
GPP-100 Anti-CCP Kit
New
Gold Member
Fully Automated Cell Density/Viability Analyzer
BioProfile FAST CDV

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.