Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a non-invasive test that checks for hidden (occult) blood in the stool. Polyps or tumours in the colon have blood vessels on their surface that can release a small amount of blood into the stool. The FIT test uses advanced immunochemical technology to determine if there is gastrointestinal bleeding. The FIT has a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99% for blood in the stools, which are much higher than the traditional fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Unlike the traditional FOBT, the FIT has no dietary or medicinal restrictions. In addition, just one stool sample is required.
Colorectal cancer is preventable and curable when diagnosed at an early stage. That is why screening for CRC is so important. This test is meant to be used as part of routine medical care of average risk individuals, even when there are no symptoms present. The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) offers several benefits:
- Simple and convenient
- Require just one sample
- No fasting or other restrictions
- Highly accurate
The FIT test uses advanced immunochemical technology to determine if there is gastrointestinal bleeding. It uses antibodies to detect the presence of hemoglobin, a protein found in blood. With this technology, the FIT has a much higher sensitivity than the traditional fecal occult blood test (FOBT), which is based on a chemical test using guaiac. The FIT has a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99% for blood in the stool.
Individuals can collect the sample with ease with no interruption to their daily routine. The collection kit comes with an easy-to-use collection device and a biodegradable collection paper.
Sample: Stool
Detects: Fecal occult blood
Results*: 24 hours
Understanding the Results:
Negative Result: No blood was detected in the stool.
Positive Result: Blood has been detected in the stool. The presence of blood in stool may indicate CRC or other conditions, such as large polyps, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease or stomach ulcers. You should discuss additional testing, such as a colonoscopy, with your physician.
*Working days, following the receipt of your sample at our laboratory.