Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
What is a FIT test?
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. You do not need to prepare for the test.
How is the FIT test performed?
You will be given a test kit with sample collection instructions. Typical instructions include:
- Flush the toilet before having a bowel movement.
- Have a bowel movement into the provided collection container.
- Use the brush from the kit to brush the surface of the stool and then dip the brush into the toilet water.
- Touch the brush on the space indicated on the test card.
- Send the sample to the lab for testing.
*These are sample instructions, be sure to follow the instructions provided to you when you pick up your test kit.
What if the test results are normal?
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. FIT testing should be completed annually.
What if the test results are abnormal?
If the FIT results come back positive for blood in the stool, your provider will way to perform other tests, usually including a colonoscopy. The FIT test does not diagnose cancer.
Who should consider FIT Testing?
- Those patients who refuse a screening colonoscopy AND if the FIT is positive would accept a screening colonoscopy or CT colography.
- Those patients with chronic illnesses which raise their individual risk for screening colonoscopy AND have an acceptable risk profile for a diagnostic/therapeutic colonoscopy or CT colography.
Colon cancer screening tests are an important tool to help detect and prevent colon cancer. With appropriate screening and early detection, colon cancer can be prevented and treated. There are many options for colon cancer screening available today. Colonoscopy remains the best colorectal cancer screening test as it can screen, detect, treat, prevent, and cure most significant colon lesions during one exam.
Talk to your doctor about which colon screening test is right for you.
