Work

Verification of the Storage Stability of Fecal Hemoglobin in Stool Sampling Bottle Using Improved Buffer - A Pilot Study -

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: The temperature and duration of sample storage is known to affect the accuracy of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). This study compared an improved stool collection buffer with the conventional buffer on the fecal hemoglobin (Hb) correlation and high-temperature stability and simultaneously evaluated the stability of fecal transferrin (Tf) and fecal calprotectin (FC). Methods: From June 2021 to December 2024, 130 stool samples collected from patients with informed consent were analyzed. Fecal Hb, Tf, and FC were measured in samples stored in both buffers, followed by correlation and stability assessments. High-temperature stability was evaluated at 37°C for 1 week. Results: < 0.01), while Tf maintained high stability (> 90%) in both buffers. FC showed reduced stability in the conventional buffer under prolonged high-temperature exposure, whereas the improved buffer demonstrated better preservation. The improved buffer also maintained higher Hb stability at elevated concentrations (≥30 μg/g). Conclusions: The improved stool collection buffer effectively addressed the limitations of the conventional buffer by providing better Hb stability under high-temperature and high-concentration conditions, while preserving excellent stability for Tf and FC. These findings support its potential utility for postal stool collection in FIT-based colorectal cancer screening.

Source: Journal of the Anus Rectum and Colon

DOI: 10.23922/jarc.2025-124