• Submitted by: lena campos
• Science and Technology
• 09 / 01 / 2012

---

The Center for State Control of the Quality of Medicines in Cuba has granted approval to a rapid test to detect human blood hidden in feces, an important risk indicator for the diagnosis of colon cancer.

  The test, known as SUMASOHF, is based on the use of SUMA technology developed by experts from the Immuno-Testing Vaccination Research Center, and was validated after a study involving about 7,450 people over the age of 50, from both sexes.

Master of Science Aramis Sanchez, head of National Immuno-Testing Vaccination Research, told Granma newspaper that of all participants in the study, 662 showed repeated positive results.

Once those patients progressed to specialized gastroenterology consultations, where other tests were applied, about 555 digestive tract ailments, including 14 cases of colon cancer, and other 78 with adenomatous and polyps ulcerative colitis, were confirmed, he said.

The scientist stated that the institution is capable of providing the necessary devices and reagents to ensure the gradual introduction of this test in the national health system, at the end of this year.

Source: Prensa Latina