The device can detect potential warning signs of serious conditions.
Reese Pharmaceutical is launching a new at home colon cancer screening test as part of its diagnostic portfolio. The over-the-counter test is FDA approved and is available now.
According to a press release,1 the test is a fecal immunochemical test and is able to detect blood in the stool, even if it is not visible to the naked eye. This can be used as an early warning sign of colon cancer, along with other conditions like diverticulitis and polyps. The test has a suggested retail price of $19.99.
In a press release, Reese Pharmaceutical’s president Jeffrey Reese said, “90% of colon cancer-related deaths are thought to be preventable if caught early, and yet more than 29 million Americans are not screening for it. With colon cancer rates on the rise, it is more important than ever for people to be proactive. We're proud to introduce ColoTest to help meet this challenge by delivering a convenient, affordable, non-invasive screening option that enables people to identify invisible blood in stool, a key warning sign for colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, gastrointestinal disorders, colitis and polyps. This test is performed in the comfort of your own home with results at home as soon as 1 minute.”
Reese Pharmaceuticals details how the test works in its press release. Its designed to be easy to use and not require the help of another person. Essentially, the user just needs to collect a sample in the provided tube and add the sampler liquid. It should take less than a minute for results to appear.
While the test can be used to detect the presence of blood in the stool, it cannot provide a definitive diagnosis of any conditions. It’s simply meant to act as an early warning sign, and anyone who receives a positive test result should contact a doctor.
According to Reese Pharmaceuticals, the test was designed in response to the current state of cancer screenings. Typically, colonoscopies are used to screen for these conditions, but a large portion of the population does not regularly get these tests done. This is due to a variety of reasons, such as the test being uncomfortable and a lack of health insurance coverage. While the at-home test cannot replace a colonoscopy, it can at least provide users with an early warning that it might be time to get a more comprehensive test.
The test can be used by people of all ages. Typically, younger adults don’t get screened for colon cancer or other similar conditions, which can cause them to miss the early warning signs.
Reese Pharmaceutical Launches New At-Home Colon Cancer Screening Test. Reese Pharmaceutical. February 27, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reese-pharmaceutical-launches-new-at-home-colon-cancer-screening-test-302070648.html
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