If you have received a link to view this page, it is because your GP has asked for you to have a FIT stool test. This involves a stool testing kit being sent to you at home by our laboratory. You will need to provide the sample and send it back to the laboratory using the self addressed envelope within 7 days. The test will look for very small traces of blood in your stool, which can alert us to a more serious problem within your bowel, including but not limited to bowel cancer.

FAECAL IMMUNOCHEMICAL TEST (FIT)

  • FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) is a test that is looking for the presence of blood in the faeces (poo) where it is in too small an amount to be visible.

  • Small amounts of non-visible blood (Occult Blood) can be a sign of bowel-related problems, including undiagnosed cancers of the bowel

  • Your doctor has ordered this test for you, as part of the investigation of your symptoms and to rule out cancer.

  • You will receive a small packet by post, within 5 working days of your recent doctor’s appointment. This will contain an easy-to-use kit (a FIT kit) with full instructions on how to collect a poo specimen.

  • If this kit does not arrive within 7 working days, please contact your surgery for advice

  • The FIT kit consists of a small plastic container which contains a collection stick which has to be unscrewed and removed to sample the poo.

  • The poo sample is collected using the following method –

  1. Carefully and slowly twist and pull out the stick part of the plastic container to sample the poo.

  2. A very small amount of poo is required covering the bottom of the stick.

  3. Put the stick with the poo on back into the container and twist until closed.

  4. Put the completed kit into the plastic bag, write the DATE OF SAMPLING on the bag and place into the freepost return envelope, seal the envelope and post.

  • You should complete the test as soon as possible, please return by post within 7 days.

  • The sample is then analysed at the laboratory and the result is sent to your doctor. It is important that you contact your doctor to discuss the result 7 to 10 days after you post the sample.

  • The result can be positive or negative; occasionally the laboratory may ask for a repeat test. Remember, if you get an abnormal result, it could be down to lots of things. It doesn’t necessarily mean cancer. But if it is cancer, catching it at an early stage means it is easier to treat successfully.

  • Your doctor will advise you of the result, and may refer you urgently for more tests, or may just continue to monitor your symptoms.

  • Further information about FIT can be found at https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/faecal-occult-blood-test-and-faecal-immunochemical-test or by contacting your surgery