Researchers at Allegheny Health Network’s Cancer Center contributed to a new international study showing that a blood-based test may help detect colorectal cancer and the precancerous growths that can lead to it.

Led by City of Hope, a cancer research and treatment organization, the study, published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, found the test detected about 90% to 92% of colorectal cancers and 81% of advanced adenomas, or high-risk polyps.

David L. Bartlett, director of the AHN Cancer Center and president of the AHN Research Institute, was also a co-author of the study.

The test works by analyzing small molecules in the blood, called microRNAs, and using advanced analytics to identify biological signals associated with colorectal cancer or precancerous changes.