| abstract |
The specification discloses a method for enhancing the reliability of screening tests used for detecting the presence or absence of chemical markers associated with gastrointestinal cancer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laxative purge for administration to a patient, collecting a watery fecal sample and then applying the watery fecal sample to a test medium having an indicator to indicate the presence of chemical markers associated with gastrointestinal cancer, if there. Two alternative methods are suggested for obtaining a watery fecal sample. In a first embodiment, the purge is administered to the patient following a recent bowel movement and the first watery post-purge bowel movement is collected. In a second embodiment, the purge is administered to the patient, the first post-purge bowel movement is discarded and the second watery post-purge bowel movement is collected. |