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.

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The cost of Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Test may be covered by private health insurance plans, depending on the specifics of the policy. Check with your insurance provider to understand what is covered.

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

1. "Faecal immunochemical testing in bowel cancer screening: Estimating outcomes for different diagnostic policies" - www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8366184/
2. "Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia" - www.medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000704.htm
3. "Faecal immunochemical testing in general practice" - www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6355280/
4. "Faecal immunochemical testing in bowel cancer screening: Estimating outcomes for different diagnostic policies - PubMed" - www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33342370/

• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8366184/
• www.medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000704.htm
• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6355280/
• www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33342370/