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HM-JACKarc System Provides A Cost Effective Alternative to Colonoscopy 

Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) demonstrates greater sensitivity and specificity for faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) than guaiac based tests. Increased concentrations of  f-Hb are indicative of greater risk of pathology for cancers and high risk adenomas. The Kyowa Medex HM-JACKarc, available exclusively in the UK from Alpha Laboratories, is an automated FIT system suitable for both screening and symptomatic patient assessment. It includes a state of the art automated analyser, a bespoke faecal sample tube and dedicated, sensitive, latex agglutination reagents. This combination provides a convenient, high throughput solution for the detection and quantification of faecal occult blood. 

HM-JACK arc utilises a simple faecal sampling tube that is suitable for patient home use. This is more convenient to use than sample cards and only a single specimen is required. An easy-to-use sampling method reduces the barriers to patient participation in screening programmes. The device provides excellent sample stability at ambient and fridge temperatures to ensure preservation of faecal haemoglobin and confidence in a home sampling option.

The HM-JACKarc analyser is a compact bench top system that uses Integrated Sphere Latex Turbidimetry to measure f-Hb concentration. It has advanced innovative software with touch screen technology, providing a very easy to use interface for operation by any grade of laboratory staff, with minimal training. With the ability to load up to 80 samples at any one time it provides walk away capability and enhanced productivity. HM-JACKarc has a time to first result of just 5.6 minutes with additional results every 18 seconds, generating up to 200 results per hour to meet laboratory demands.

Several studies have confirmed excellent low end sensitivity of the method, a necessity when using a low cut off as a Negative Predictive Value (NPV) for bowel pathology. The wide dynamic assay range reduces the need for sample dilutions and repeat testing.

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