Faex Health starts Chile trial of AI stool screening tool

By AI, Created 7:03 AM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Faex Health has launched a clinical validation trial with Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río in Chile to test whether smartphone-based stool analysis can flag patients at higher risk for colorectal abnormalities before colonoscopy. The study could help speed triage in overloaded screening systems as colorectal cancer rates rise and wait times stretch longer worldwide.

Why it matters: - Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer death. - Earlier detection can materially improve survival, but many patients face long waits, cost, access barriers and the invasiveness of standard screening. - A low-cost pre-screening tool could help prioritize symptomatic patients who need faster follow-up.

What happened: - Faex Health launched a clinical validation trial with Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río, one of Chile’s largest teaching and research hospitals. - The study will test whether Faex Health’s smartphone-based stool analysis platform can identify patients at elevated risk for colorectal abnormalities while they wait for colonoscopy. - The trial is being run in Chile and was announced on May 18, 2026.

The details: - Patients in the study are already undergoing standard colorectal screening procedures, including fecal immunochemical tests and colonoscopies. - Researchers will compare Faex Health’s AI-generated assessments with confirmed clinical findings to measure accuracy and predictive value. - The platform is designed to let patients securely capture stool imagery through a smartphone interface. - Faex Health says the system analyzes visual biomarkers tied to gastrointestinal abnormalities, including possible blood in stool. - The tool is not intended to diagnose colorectal cancer. - The company positions the platform as a non-invasive pre-screening and risk stratification tool. - The study is expected to produce one of the largest paired datasets of stool imagery, fecal immunochemical test results and colonoscopy outcomes for AI-driven gastrointestinal screening research. - Faex Health said the trial is part of its broader clinical validation and commercialization roadmap. - The company is also pursuing partnerships with hospitals, healthcare systems and providers focused on early gastrointestinal screening. - More information is available at Faex Health’s website. - Faex Health is also listed on social media at LinkedIn.

Between the lines: - The trial reflects growing interest in digital biomarkers that can support physician evaluation rather than replace it. - The hospital’s participation suggests clinicians want real-world evidence on whether AI tools can help with triage before disease progresses. - The study also appears designed to test adoption, not just accuracy, since nursing leaders flagged ease of use and patient engagement as key factors. - The hospital said younger patients have adapted quickly, while the research may help inform design for older populations.

What’s next: - Faex Health and Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río will collect paired clinical and AI data from enrolled patients. - The companies will use the results to assess whether the platform can support earlier medical evaluation and better patient prioritization. - Positive findings could strengthen Faex Health’s case for broader deployment with healthcare providers facing colonoscopy backlogs. - The trial may also shape future product design and market expansion efforts as the company seeks additional clinical partners.

The bottom line: - Faex Health is trying to prove that a smartphone-based stool analysis tool can help hospitals triage colorectal cancer risk earlier, faster and with less friction than traditional screening alone.