Hemoccult test as a routine screening procedure for colorectal disease in the private clinic setting.

Increased attention is being focused on the earlier detection of malignant and premalignant colorectal lesions in an attempt to increase the survival rate of patients with these diseases. This study evaluates the use of the Hemoccult test as a screening procedure in a private clinic. A protocol for its implementation is presented. Of the 631 patients entered into the study, 514 (81.5%) returned completed slides. In 14 (2.7%) of these 514 patients, the slides gave positive results, and 10 of the 14 patients underwent thorough investigation. No malignant tumours were found as a result of the test. Six (1.2%) of the 514 patients had one or more benign polyps.