Review for 10.1186/s12876-019-1135-5 (2019)

Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Appraisal of the faecal haemoglobin, age and sex tes t (FAST) score in assessment of 
patients with lower bowel symptoms: An observationa l study  
 
Version: 1 Date: 23 Jul 2019  
 
Reviewer: Sylvain Manfredi  
 
Reviewer's rep ort: 
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this paper is very inte resting, well writen.  
the authors have applied a score (FAST score) to individuals with LBS, in order to study the 
effect of this test for patients with LBS and FIT positive test, for potentially best select the 
patients for colonoscopy.  
the FIT cut -off wa s very low (10 microg/g fèces), so FIT is used as a gaiac test..  
conclusion was that FAST score didn't add value in order to reduce the number of colonoscopy 
for patients with LBS.  
 
minor revision : a flow chart will be of great information: it is difficu lt to know how group A and 
group B are built.  
a definition of lower bowel symptoms would be usefull too: some symptoms are probably not 
retained for the inclusion of individuals  
 
 
 
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
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Yes 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
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Yes 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manus cript or would you recommend an 
additional statistical review?  
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assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
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Acceptable  
 
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