iFOB Service
Detect Colorectal Cancer Early with Pangea Laboratory's
Immunoassay Fecal Occult Blood (iFOB) Service
iFOB Service
Early Detection
Non-Invasive
Cost-Effective
At-Home Testing
Convenient Screening
Why Screening for Colorectal Cancer Matters
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early. In its early stages, CRC often presents no symptoms, making regular screening crucial for identifying the disease before it progresses1-3. iFOB is a non-invasive test that detects hidden blood in the stool (also known as occult blood), which may indicate the presence of cancer or precancerous growths.
Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US
Early detection dramatically improves survival rates, with over 90% of patients surviving when colorectal cancer is found and treated at an early stage. Screening not only saves lives but also reduces the need for extensive, costly treatments by catching cancer sooner.
Who Should Be Screened for Colorectal Cancer and When?
Regular fecal occult blood screening tests play a critical role in detecting colorectal cancer early. Per guidelines from the US Preventive Services Task Force, the recommended age to start regular colorectal cancer screening was lowered to age 45 in 2021. Adults age 45 to 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer, while those older than 75 should speak with their physician about the decision to be screened1-3.
Regular screens are recommended for individuals at average risk4-5, including those who:
- Have no personal history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps
- Have no family history of colorectal cancer
- Do not have a confirmed or suspected hereditary condition like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Do not have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
For individuals with increased or high risk, such as those with a family history of CRC, certain genetic syndromes, or a personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, screening may need to begin earlier and occur more frequently6.
A regular screening schedule can look like this:
- Immunoassay Fecal Occult Blood: Annually
- Colonoscopy: Every 10 years for average-risk individuals.
If you are unsure when to start screening, consult with your healthcare provider to assess your risk and choose the right screening option.
What is the Immunoassay Fecal Occult Blood (iFOB) Test?
How Does iFOB Work?
- At-Home Collection:
- Patients collect a small stool sample using an easy-to-use swab kit provided by their healthcare provider or mailed directly to their home.
- No dietary restrictions or bowel preparation are required, making the process simple and convenient.
- Specimen Return:
- The specimen is mailed or delivered back to our laboratory
- Laboratory Analysis:
- In the lab, our system automatically analyzes the sample for hemoglobin (blood) in the stool using advanced immunoassay technology
- Results are typically turned around within 1 to 3 days of specimen receipt and sent back to the provider or patient.
- Next Steps:
- If no blood is detected, annual repeat testing is recommended.
- If blood is detected, further diagnostic tests, such as a colonoscopy, are recommended to confirm findings and identify the source of bleeding.
Fecal Occult Blood Testing as an Alternative to Colonoscopy
While colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, iFOB offers a non-invasive, convenient, and effective alternative for colorectal cancer detection.
For patients who prefer a non-invasive option, iFOB provides a simple, painless, and safe solution. Colonoscopy requires extensive bowel preparation, sedation, and time off work, which can discourage participation.
In contrast, iFOB is performed at home, requires no special preparation, and is far less disruptive to a patient’s daily routine.
iFOB is also ideal for annual screening in average-risk patients. While colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years for individuals at average risk, fecal immunochemical testing for occult blood is designed for yearly use. Annual screening with iFOB provides more frequent opportunities to detect hidden blood in the stool, improving the chances of identifying precancerous changes or colorectal cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.
To improve screening adherence, iFOB addresses common barriers associated with colonoscopy, such as discomfort, inconvenience, and cost. Many patients are hesitant to undergo colonoscopy for these reasons. By offering a simple at-home alternative, iFOB encourages more individuals to participate in regular screening, significantly increasing compliance rates.
From a financial perspective, iFOB testing is a cost-effective solution for colorectal cancer screening programs. It is significantly less expensive than colonoscopy or multitarget stool DNA tests like Cologuard®, making it an ideal choice for population-based screening programs in hospitals, clinics, and health systems. This affordability allows healthcare providers to expand screening access and improve outcomes without overburdening resources.
This screening test can also play a critical role in reducing colonoscopy wait times. By using iFOB as a first-line screening tool, healthcare systems can prioritize colonoscopy appointments for patients with abnormal FIT results or those at higher risk. This ensures that resources are used efficiently while high-risk patients receive timely diagnostic follow-up and care.
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Comparing iFOB to Cologuard®
We offer a more cost-effective and streamlined option compared to multitarget stool DNA tests like Cologuard®, with fewer false positives and no need to collect an entire bowel movement. Its simplicity also improves patient compliance and makes it ideal for annual colorectal cancer screening.
| Feature | iFOB7 | Cologuard® |
|---|---|---|
| False Positive Rate | 3.6% - 5.1% | 10.2% - 13.4% |
| Cost Per Test | $ | $$$$$ (22x Higher) |
| Sample Collection | Single Swab | Entire Bowel Movement |
Fecal Immunochemical Testing with Pangea Laboratory
Pangea Laboratory’s iFOB service offers a streamlined, programmatic CRC screening solution for clinics and health systems. Designed to improve screening rates, patient outcomes, and cost-efficiency, this turnkey approach removes barriers to participation with accessible, at-home testing. Patients can collect samples privately without preparation, sedation, or downtime, significantly increasing patient adherence.
Pangea manages the entire process, from kit distribution and sample collection to laboratory analysis and results reporting. Customizable delivery options, such as in-office distribution, direct-to-patient mailing, or hybrid solutions, are designed to fit seamlessly into your healthcare workflows. As a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory, Pangea Laboratory ensures fast, accurate, high-throughput testing ideal for large populations.
Early detection is critical, as over 90% of CRC cases are treatable when caught early1-3. Annual FIT testing with systems like iFOB can enable more timely follow-up care, reduce late-stage diagnoses, and improve survival rates. Compared to costly alternatives like multitarget stool DNA tests (e.g., Cologuard®) or routine colonoscopies, iFOB is a cost-effective first-line tool. A FIT-first strategy prioritizes colonoscopy for abnormal results or high-risk patients, optimizing resources and minimizing wait times.
Pangea Laboratory provides comprehensive reporting, educational materials, and programmatic support to ensure successful adoption and compliance. By partnering with Pangea Laboratory, health systems can detect CRC earlier, enhance screening rates, reduce costs, and save lives through efficient and effective early detection.
References
1. US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.6238
2. Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, et al ACG clinical guidelines: colorectal cancer screening 2021. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(3):458-479. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001122
3. Rex DK, Boland CR, Dominitz JA, et al. Colorectal cancer screening: recommendations for physicians and patients from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112(7):1016-1030. doi:10.1038/ajg.2017.174.
4. Colorectal cancer facts & figures 2023-2025. American Cancer Society. Accessed January 25, 2023. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/ colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures-2023.pdf
5. Tepus M, Yau TO. Non-invasive colorectal cancer screening: an overview. Gastrointest Tumors. 2020;7(3):62-73. doi:10.1159/000507701
6. Wolf AMD, Fontham ETH, Church TR, et al. Colorectal cancer screening for average-risk adults: 2018 guideline update from the American Cancer Society. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68(4):250-281
7. Data on file with Polymedco, Inc