Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is used as a screening test for colon cancer. It tests for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of cancer. FIT only detects human blood from the lower intestines. Medicines and food do not interfere with the test. Therefore, it tends to be more accurate and have fewer false positive results than other tests. 

For colon cancer screening, you will be given the test to use at home. Be sure to follow the instructions provided

How to Prepare for the Test?

You do not need to do anything to prepare for the test.

A normal result means the test did not detect any blood in the stool. However, because cancers in the colon may not always bleed, you may need to do the test a few times to confirm that there is no blood in your stool.

If the FIT results come back positive for blood in the stool, your provider will want to perform other tests, usually including a colonoscopy. The FIT test does not diagnose cancer. Screening tests such as a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy can also help detect cancer. Both the FIT test and other screenings can catch colon cancer early, when it is easier to treat. 

There are no risks from using the FIT.

Precautions

1-Fecal specimens should not becollected with the following conditions:

- Menstrual bleeding.

- Bleeding hemorrhoids.

- Constipation bleeding.

- Urinary bleeding.

2-Alcohol and certain medications such as aspirin,indomethacin,corticosteroids and non steroidal anti inflammatroy drugs may should be stopped at least 48 hours prior to testing.

Instructions

1-Unscrew the bottom cap of the collection tube and remove the applicator stick.

2-insert the stick into the fecal specimen at 6 different sites.

3-insert the sampled applicator back into thetube.

4-shake the tube vigorously for about 5 seconds.

Notes

Shipment to lab within 24 hours of collection