You have been asked to do a FIT test by your doctor. This reason for doing this is to assess for tiny hidden bloods in your poo which can be a sign of bowel cancer. This will help us to determine if you need further investigations.
What is a FIT test? FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) is an investigation that is looking for small amounts of blood in stool (poo) where it is in too small an amount to be visible by human eye.
Do not use the test if you are menstruating or have had obvious fresh bleeding e.g from piles.
The FIT tube has a green lid and a stick that needs to be scraped over a poo sample then replaced in the tube. There is a white lid on the other end, it is very important that you do not open this end as the chemicals that stabilize your sample will leak out and the laboratory will not be able to process your sample.
Your GP has ordered this test for you, as part of the investigation of your symptoms which may have included stomach (tummy) pain or discomfort or changes in bowel habit. You should complete the test and return this to your GP practice as soon as possible, ideally within 7 days.
The FIT kit includes a small plastic container. Please follow the step-by -step instructions to collect your stool. The plastic container contains liquid preservative - please DO NOT pour this away. How to collect a sample Collecting your sample is very simple and hygienic and we only need a small amount of stool for the test. Please follow the instructions shown on the next 2 folds of this leaflet. There are also instructions included with the test kit which tell you how to collect the sample. It is essential that your stool sample does not touch the toilet water. There are different ways to collect your stool: Hold folded lengths of toilet paper in your hand or place in the toilet bowl to catch the sample. Put a small, disposable plastic bag/glove over your hand. Poo into a clean, disposable container lined with a sheet of toilet paper so that you can easily slip the stool into the toilet after.
STEP 1 Put t the date and time on the sticker and apply the sticker to the tube.
STEP 2 Collect your stool as explained above. Make sure you take the sample IMMEDIATELY after producing the stool.
STEP 3 Unscrew the top of the sample tube and collect sample by scraping the green stick along the sample until ALL the grooves are covered. We only need a small amount of sample to test - please do not add extra!
STEP 4 Put stick back in container and ‘click’ the green cap to close it. Do not repeat the collection. Flush toilet paper and wash hands after use.
STEP 5 Return the sample to your GP as soon as possible
To find out more about the NHS bowel cancer screening program please click here