Polymedco Announces Publication in Epidemiologic Reviews

CORTLANDT MANOR, N.Y., Aug. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Polymedco is pleased to announce a publication in Epidemiologic Review, "Organized Colorectal Cancer Screening in Integrated Health Care Systems" by Theodore R Levin, Laura Jamieson, Daniel A Burley, Juan Reyes, Michael Oehrli, and Cindy Caldwell (Epidemiol Rev (2011)33(1);101-110).  The publication details the organized screening program for Colorectal cancer (CRC) at Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC).   The CRC screening program at KPNC was introduced in the 1960's with sigmoidoscopy.  FIT (fecal immunochemical test) was introduced in 2004.  FIT is now the screening test of choice for CRC screening in this organized outreach and inreach program.  The HEDIS score for 2007 of 50% for commercial patients jumped dramatically to 69% in 2010.  The HEDIS score for 2007 of 50% for Medicare patients jumped to an incredible 78% in 2010.  From 2007 to 2009, nearly 200 additional localized cancers were detected annually. The advantages of FIT over the traditional Fecal Occult blood Guaiac test are as follows:  improved patient acceptance so patients adhere to screening which is in part due to the improved collection device, fewer samples collected and no dietary restrictions, and improved specificity; not affected by anticoagulant or non steroidal medications.  Automated specimen processing offers improved test reliability with no subjectivity, consistent reliable positivity of the test results from week to week, and quality assurance to monitor the standards and quality control.  

Polymedco Inc. is a leading manufacturer, marketer, and distributer in the clinical laboratory marketplace.  Polymedco supplies clinical diagnostic test kits and devices that are specialized in hematology and cancer. We are a world leader in non-invasive colorectal cancer screening technology, providing the new standard of care with the OC FIT-CHEK® product line.

Since 1980, Polymedco has evolved into a highly skilled and successful marketing, sales, and manufacturing organization. With an experienced team of field representatives combined with strong technical service personnel, Polymedco provides a high level of customer, technical and reimbursement support.

SOURCE Polymedco