If your healthcare provider ordered this test, follow the instructions you were given.
How Is a FIT Different Than a FOBT?
Many patients also find the collection methods of the FIT easier than those of the FOBT.
David Silverman / Getty Images
Be sure to write your name and other information on the collection cards.
Flush the toilet before a bowel movement.
After having a bowel movement, don’t flush right away!
Instead, brush the surface of the stool with one of the brushes from the kit for several seconds.
Shake the brush once to dislodge any clumps of stool or excess water.
Dispose of the brush as directed by the instructions included with the kit.
Repeat the process for one more bowel movement or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Cover the test cards and store them away from heat, light, and strong chemicals.
After finishing the test, seal the test envelope and return the kit to your practitioner or the laboratory.
Risks
This test is safe and painless.
Call your healthcare provider in a few days for the results.
There are many reasons blood could be in your stool.
Your practitioner will likely want to do more tests to find outwhy the blood is there.
In some cases, another test called acolonoscopymay be recommended.
When You Should Call the Healthcare Provider
If you have diarrhea or constipation during the test period.
Other Important Information
Read all instructions that come with the kit carefully before testing begins.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening tests.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of GI bleeding.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening guidelines.
152(5):1217-1237.e3.
doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2016.08.053
American Cancer Society.
“Can Colorectal Polyps and Cancer Be Found Early” Cancer.org.
