Blood tests to reduce unnecessary bowel scopes after positive stool screening
Studies whether blood tests can spot low colorectal cancer risk after a positive stool test.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: SMARTER: Using Blood Samples to iMprove FIT-bAsed coloRecTal cancEr scReening
Key facts
- Where
- Aabenraa and Vejle, DenmarkSee the 2 sites
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 50 and 74 years old?
Source: NCT06714318, who can take part
Where in Denmark
- Hospital SønderjyllandAabenraa, DenmarkTaking people
- Vejle HospitalVejle, DenmarkTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Vejle Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT06714318
- Record updated
- 29 June 2026
- Original description
The project aims to investigate whether colorectal cancer screening can be improved using blood tests, thereby reducing the number of unnecessary colonoscopies. The Danish colorectal cancer screening program was implemented in 2014, and currently, all individuals aged 50-74 are invited every two years to participate. Those who test positive for hidden blood in their stool are referred for a colonoscopy. More than a third of the approximately 25,000 colonoscopies performed annually in the screening program can be classified as unnecessary, as they reveal a normal colon. This results in avoidable and unpleasant procedures for individuals and strains healthcare resources.Read full original descriptionShow less
SMARTER: Using Blood Samples to iMprove FIT-bAsed coloRecTal cancEr scReening
The project aims to investigate whether colorectal cancer screening can be improved using blood tests, thereby reducing the number of unnecessary colonoscopies. The Danish colorectal cancer screening program was implemented in 2014, and currently, all individuals aged 50-74 are invited every two years to participate. Those who test positive for hidden blood in their stool are referred for a colonoscopy. More than a third of the approximately 25,000 colonoscopies performed annually in the screening program can be classified as unnecessary, as they reveal a normal colon. This results in avoidable and unpleasant procedures for individuals and strains healthcare resources.
The project seeks to reduce the number of these unnecessary colonoscopies by investigating whether blood biomarkers can identify individuals at very low risk of colorectal cancer after a positive stool test for hidden blood. By utilizing blood tests, screening could become more personalized, precise, and resource-efficient for the healthcare system.
Inclusion: Participation in the colorectal cancer screening program.
Exclusion: Participants are excluded if a colonoscopy is not completed unless this is due to a colorectal cancer obstruction.