Result card

  • SAF6: What are the consequences of false positive, false negative and incidental findings brought about using FIT to the patients from the viewpoint of patient safety?
Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT ) versus guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (FOBT) for colorectal cancer screening
C0006
English
Guidance Resources

What are the consequences of false positive, false negative and incidental findings brought about using FIT to the patients from the viewpoint of patient safety?

Authors: Agnes Männik, Irena Guzina, Petra Jandova, Leonor Varela Lema, Gerardo Atienza Merino

Internal reviewers: Matthias Schwenkglenks, Ingrid Wilbacher

The domain literature search and additional search was used.

False-positive test results may cause anxiety and stress to patients. Also there is the possibility of overdiagnosis (leading to unnecessary investigations or treatment) and the complications associated with treatment. However no studies were found to address the possibility of overdiagnosis. False-negative test results may delay the start of treatment. {8} 

False-positive and false-negative tests may cause anxiety, stress, overdiagnosis and delay in the start of treatment.

Important
Completely
Männik A et al. Result Card SAF6 In: Männik A et al. Safety In: Jefferson T, Cerbo M, Vicari N [eds.]. Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT ) versus guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (FOBT) for colorectal cancer screening [Core HTA], Agenas - Agenzia nazionale per i servizi sanitari regionali; 2014. [cited 17 August 2022]. Available from: http://corehta.info/ViewCover.aspx?id=206

References

  • {8}  NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness of faecal occult blood tests used in screening for colorectal cancer: a systematic review. CRD Report 36. York: 2007.