Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Test
Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) screens stool samples for bowel cancer indicators.
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Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Test
Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a crucial screening tool for bowel cancer. It is designed to detect hidden blood in the stool, an early sign of bowel cancer. The test is non-invasive, simple to use, and can be done at home, making it a convenient option for many individuals.
What does the test look for?
The FIT test measures the amount of haemoglobin in the faeces. It specifically detects human blood from the lower intestines, providing a quantitative result in the form of micrograms of haemoglobin per gram of faeces. This test is more accurate and has fewer false positive results than other tests, as medicines and food do not interfere with the results.
How can this test help you?
The FIT test can help in the early detection of bowel cancer, even before symptoms appear. By identifying hidden blood in the stool, it can indicate the presence of bowel cancer or precancerous polyps. Early detection is key in treating bowel cancer effectively and can guide necessary lifestyle changes or treatments.
Key takeways
- The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a non-invasive screening tool for bowel cancer.
- FIT detects hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer.
- The test is convenient to use at home and provides a quantitative result.
- Early detection through FIT can guide treatment and lifestyle changes.
- Costs for the FIT test in the UK range from £20 to £60, including the test kit and lab analysis.
- Private health insurance may cover the FIT test, but it's important to check with your provider.
- A doctor's referral is not necessary; self-referral is possible through platforms like Odycy.
Common Symptoms and Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)?
The FIT is a bowel cancer screening test that detects hidden blood in the stool, aiding in early detection of the disease.
How does the FIT test work?
The FIT test works by detecting human haemoglobin in the stool. A small sample of stool is collected and sent to a laboratory, where it is tested for traces of blood.
Who should take the FIT test?
The FIT test is recommended for individuals aged 45 to 75 as part of regular bowel cancer screening and for those with symptoms indicative of bowel cancer.
What preparation is required for the FIT test?
No special preparation is required for the FIT test. It can be done at home without any dietary restrictions or fasting.
What does a positive FIT test result mean?
A positive FIT test result means that blood has been detected in the stool, which may indicate bowel cancer or other conditions that cause bleeding in the digestive tract.
Can I take the FIT test at home?
Yes, the FIT test is designed to be taken at home, with a simple process for collecting a stool sample and sending it to a laboratory for analysis.
Further Information on the Service
Conditions & Symptoms
The FIT test is recommended for individuals aged 45 to 75 as part of regular bowel cancer screening. It may also be advised for those experiencing symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or blood in the stool.
What to expect on the day of your test
The FIT test is a home test. You will be given instructions on how to collect a stool sample, which you then send to a laboratory for analysis. There is no need for any special preparation, such as fasting or dietary changes.
Test Analysis
The laboratory will analyse the stool sample for the presence of haemoglobin. A positive result indicates that blood was found in the stool, which could be a sign of bowel cancer. However, other conditions can also cause blood in the stool, so further investigations may be necessary.
Additional Resources
For more information on bowel cancer and FIT testing, visit the NHS website or Cancer Research UK.
References
- "Faecal immunochemical testing in bowel cancer screening: Estimating outcomes for different diagnostic policies" - www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8366184/
- "Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia" - www.medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000704.htm
- "Faecal immunochemical testing in general practice" - www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6355280/
- "Faecal immunochemical testing in bowel cancer screening: Estimating outcomes for different diagnostic policies - PubMed" - www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33342370/
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