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The FOB and FIT tests can detect tiny amounts of blood in your poo. They are used for bowel screening. You will get a home screening kit when you reach the age that bowel cancer screening starts in your country. The main difference between FOB and FIT tests are the number of samples you need to take.
The test kit comes with a set of instructions. Before you take a sample, it is helpful to:
You return the samples to the test centre in a pre-paid envelope. If you have any questions about the sample collection, or have a disability that makes using the kit difficult, call your country’s screening helpline. If you need a new test kit, they can send you one. These are the helpline numbers:
If you live in England, you have 14 days to return the test card after taking the first sample. In the rest of the UK, you have 10 days to return the test card after taking the first sample. You will get a reminder after about 4 weeks if you do not return the test kit. If you decide not to take part in the screening programme, you can choose not to respond. Or you can contact your country’s helpline to say you will not be sending your kit back.
You should get a letter with the results of your home screening test within 2 weeks. Your GP will also get a letter. With the FOB test, there are three possible test results: The FIT test gives only a normal or abnormal test result. Sometimes you may be asked to repeat the test. This may be because of:
Around 98 out of 100 people (about 98%) have a normal result. This means no blood was found. 2 years after your test, you will be sent another test kit if you are still within the age range. If you have any symptoms before your next screening test, it is important to go to see your GP. Do not wait for your next test kit.
About 2 in 100 people (around 2%) have an abnormal result. If you have this result, it means blood was found in your test. Blood in your test result does not mean you have bowel cancer. Only about 1 in 10 people with an abnormal result (about 10%) have cancer. Blood in poo can be caused by other conditions such as polyps or piles (haemorrhoids). If you have an abnormal result, you will be offered an assessment and probably a bowel test called a colonoscopy.
A small number of people may have an unclear result. This means there was some blood detected, but not enough to give an abnormal result. Having an unclear result does not mean you have bowel cancer. It just means you need to do a second test to check for blood in your poo. You will be sent another home screening kit. Most people who do the second test get a normal result. If the result of your second test is normal, you may be sent another kit to confirm the result. If the result of the second test is unclear or abnormal, you will usually be offered a colonoscopy.
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. A fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a diagnostic tool that can screen for colorectal cancer. It detects hidden blood in the stool, which indicates bowel characteristics that may be due to colorectal cancer. A positive FIT result will warrant further investigation, and an early diagnosis of cancer generally leads to more effective treatment and a better outlook.
This article explains what a FIT test involves, looks at the advantages and disadvantages of different at-home tests, and answers some frequently asked questions. A FIT test screens for colorectal cancer by checking for blood in the stool. It is one of the two main types of fecal occult blood tests. Blood vessels in colon tumors or polyps may bleed with the passage of stool, but the blood is not always visible to the naked eye. A FIT test uses antibodies to detect hidden blood in the stool. What does a positive FIT result mean?The detection of blood indicates a positive test, but it does not necessarily mean a person has colorectal cancer. Other conditions, such as hemorrhoids, benign polyps, and ulcers, may also cause blood in the stool. However, a positive test indicates that an individual should contact their doctor for additional tests, such as a colonoscopy. How to take a FIT testThe FIT test is a simple and noninvasive test that people can perform at home. A home testing kit will include instructions and a sterile container for the stool sample. Most kits will also include an envelope for mailing the sample to a laboratory. A person does not have to restrict their diet or specially prepare before collecting their sample. Who may take FIT tests?Some people may wish to perform a FIT test as a routine screening because of their age. The Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults ages 45–75 years undergo screening for colorectal cancer. Other individuals may wish to undergo testing because they are experiencing symptoms that could indicate colorectal cancer. These include:
Medical News Today chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:
The concept behind a FIT test is the same regardless of the manufacturer, although individual instructions and processing times may vary. Below are several home testing kits to consider. Best FIT test with membership discounts: Everlywell
Everlywell states that only those ages 45 years and older are eligible for this screening. A board certified doctor in the person’s state will review all test results, which take a few days to receive. One advantage of Everlywell is that its system offers the results through an online dashboard, making them easy for a person to share with their doctor. The cost of the FIT test is around $49, and the company accepts Health Savings Accounts (HSA) payments. Learn more about the Everlywell brand. Best FIT test with 24-7 support: LetsGetChecked
LetsGetChecked offers results in 2–5 days. Nurses are available to discuss positive test results with the individual, and a person’s doctor can also download the results. The test costs around $69 for a single purchase, but someone looking for regular screening tests can save money by subscribing. Learn more about the LetsGetChecked brand. Best FIT test for those with FSA or HSA accounts: Pixel
Pixel describes its testing kit as a “simpler and more affordable” alternative to colonoscopies. As with the tests above, an individual shops and pays online for the Pixel FIT test, which costs around $89. An independent healthcare professional will review and approve the test request, so a doctor’s visit is unnecessary. However, the service does not indicate how long it takes return test results. Additionally, Pixel states that PWN health will contact a person via phone or email if they receive a test result that requires urgent attention. Pixel accepts both FSA and HSA accounts as payment.
Pinnacle Biolabs’ Second Generation FIT offers results in minutes, and it is reportedly the top-selling colon cancer screening test in North America. The main advantage of this test, which costs $29.99, is that an individual performs the whole test at home and does not need to post their sample. They can also see their results within minutes. However, the company does not indicate whether support is available for those who receive positive test results. Best FIT test with online results: QuestDirect
An individual can order this test online without needing a doctor’s visit, as a physician reviews the order to ensure it is appropriate. This test costs around $90 plus a $6 doctor’s fee, making it more expensive than some other FIT testing kits. Best FIT test with DNA testing: Cologuard
This test identifies atypical DNA in stools as well as the presence of blood. This kit is available on prescription from a doctor, but it is also available from one of the company’s telemedicine providers. The service recommends this screening for individuals over the age of 45 years, and a person may be able to purchase a kit through their insurer. The following table compares the products in this article. People may wish to consider the following when purchasing an at-home test:
In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer. Although anyone can develop this type of cancer, risk factors include:
Colorectal cancer tends to grow slowly, and detecting precancerous polyps or small lesions helps improve the outlook. Colorectal cancer screening tests, such as a FIT test and a colonoscopy, make early diagnosis possible. Whether an individual undergoes a colonoscopy or FIT test may depend on their assessed risk. The American Cancer Society (ACS) defines average risk as:
Anyone who receives a positive FIT test result should contact a doctor for further evaluation. Although a positive test does not necessarily mean a person has colorectal cancer, a healthcare professional can discuss the next steps. It is also important to contact a doctor if symptoms occur that could indicate colorectal cancer. People who believe they have an increased risk of this disease may also wish to discuss regular screening with a healthcare professional. FIT tests can detect early signs of colon cancer, but there are other reasons a person may receive a positive result, including colon polyps, precancerous polyps, inflammation, and hemorrhoids. Seeking medical advice is important in ruling out or diagnosing any medical condition. “}}]} People considering ordering a FIT test to use at home may wonder: Is a FIT test accurate?Overall, a 2017 meta-analysis notes that FIT testing has a high diagnostic accuracy for colorectal cancer and is a viable screening method. This conclusion is consistent with a 2017 review stating that while FIT testing is 95% accurate in detecting colorectal cancer, it has a low sensitivity for detecting colon polyps. When should you take an at-home colorectal cancer test?The Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer recommends that people with an average risk of colorectal cancer begin undergoing screenings from the age of 50 years. However, the ACS recommends starting slightly younger, at the age of 45 years. If a person wishes to have a FIT test instead of other screening options, they can discuss this with their doctor. Can a FIT test diagnose colorectal cancer without a colonoscopy?A FIT test does not diagnose colorectal cancer. Instead, it detects blood in the stool, which is not always visible to the naked eye. The presence of blood may indicate colorectal cancer or other bowel complications. A positive FIT result warrants further investigation to diagnose the cause of the bleeding. Does insurance cover a FIT test?Whether a person’s insurance covers a FIT test may depend on their age and specific benefit package. For example, Medicare covers the test once every 12 months for enrollees ages 50 years and older. In some cases, an individual may also use funds from their HSA to cover the costs. Is a FIT test as good as Cologuard?Cologuard tests for atypical DNA in addition to blood, and some may consider this screening more thorough. However, a small 2020 study showed that Cologuard returned a 13.4% false-positive result rate — 8.3% higher than the FIT test method. What does a positive FIT result mean?A positive result means that there was blood within the stool — possibly not visible to the naked eye — at the time of testing. If a person’s result is positive, they should contact a doctor, who may then recommend a colonoscopy. What can a FIT test detect?A FIT test can detect early signs of colon cancer, but there are other reasons an individual may receive a positive result, including:
Seeking medical advice is important in excluding or diagnosing any medical condition. A FIT test is a type of colorectal cancer screening. The test detects blood in the stool that may not be visible to the naked eye. The presence of blood indicates a need for further screenings to diagnose the cause of the bleeding. While a positive result does not necessarily mean a person has cancer, early detection and treatment of this disease generally improve their outlook. A variety of at-home FIT test kit options are available for people to consider. Individuals can perform these tests at home, often without needing a doctor’s visit. |
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