FIT Test

Your FIT Test: Instructions and Information

Your doctor has requested a FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) to check for small, hidden amounts of blood in your stool. This test helps us assess if further investigations are needed to rule out possible bowel cancer or other conditions.

What is a FIT Test?

The FIT test is designed to detect tiny amounts of blood in your stool that are too small to see with the naked eye. This can be an early sign of bowel cancer or other issues in the digestive tract.

Important Precautions

• Do not use this test if you are menstruating or if you have visible fresh bleeding (e.g., from hemorrhoids), as this can affect results.
• The FIT test tube has a green lid with a stick attached. Only open this end of the tube. Do not open the white lid on the other end—it contains chemicals necessary for the test, and opening it will make the test invalid.

Why You’ve Been Asked to Do This Test

Your doctor has ordered the FIT test to investigate symptoms such as abdominal (tummy) pain, discomfort, or changes in bowel habits. To ensure accurate results, complete and return the test to your GP practice as soon as possible, ideally within 7 days.

How to Collect Your Stool Sample

What you need to start:

Prior to taking the test please ensure you have a green top tube similar to the one shown above AND a printed form with your name already completed which you will need to collect from the surgery.

There is a smaller sticker on the form which will need to be removed from the request form and applied along the length of the tube. The writing should be lengthways not across the tube when applying the sticker.

1. Label the Tube:

   • Write the date and time of your sample collection on the provided sticker and attach it to the tube.

2. Prepare to Collect the Sample:

   • To avoid contamination, ensure your stool does not touch toilet water. Here are some ways to catch your stool sample hygienically:
     • Place folded lengths of toilet paper in your hand or in the toilet bowl to catch the stool.
     • Use a disposable glove or plastic bag over your hand.
     • Use a clean, disposable container lined with toilet paper for easy disposal afterward.

3. Collecting the Sample:

   • Unscrew the green lid of the sample tube. Using the stick attached to the lid, gently scrape it over the stool until the grooves on the stick are lightly covered. Only a small amount is needed.

4. Sealing the Sample:

   • Place the stick back into the tube and screw the green lid on tightly until it clicks. Do not reopen the tube or repeat the collection.

5. Final Steps:

   • Dispose of any materials used for collection and wash your hands thoroughly.
   • Return the sample to your GP practice as soon as possible.

Note: The FIT kit includes a small plastic container with a liquid preservative. Do not pour this preservative away; it is necessary for the lab to process your sample.

Following these steps will help ensure the FIT test provides reliable results. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

To find out more about the NHS bowel cancer screening program please click here