Everything You Need to Know About FIT Tests

Hey everyone. Elisabeth from Genexia Health. Let’s talk about FIT tests!!! In this blog we will review if a FIT test is right for you and what exactly it is.

What is a FIT Test?

A fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a screening test for colon cancer that tests for hidden blood in the stool. It can detect problems that can be treated before cancer develops or spreads. A FIT test is performed at home and does not interfere with medicines or food. 

FIT vs. Colonoscopy

A FIT test is not as good as a colonoscopy, but it is a less invasive and more convenient option. A colonoscopy is a more thorough test that can detect cancer or precancerous polyps. However, it requires bowel preparation, sedation, and can take several hours to complete. There is also a huge wait time to simply get it done. 

How to Collect Stool for a FIT Test

Here are the instructions to collect stool for a FIT test:

1. If you have hemorrhoids, you’re menstruating or have any rectal trauma, you cannot do this test unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
2. Find any clean and disposable container with a top.
3. Urinate prior to collecting your stool so as to not mix your urine with your stool.
4. Collect your stool in your clean container, put on the top and place in fridge. Be sure to make a note as to what date and time the stool was collected.
5. The nurse will bring the appropriate medium in order to transport the specimen to the lab.

Understanding a Positive FIT Test

A positive FIT test means that there is bleeding in your digestive tract. With a positive test, there’s still only a small chance that you have colon cancer but it is time to investigate!! Your doctor will likely recommend a colonoscopy as the next step to identify what may be causing the bleeding.

How Long Does a FIT Test Take?

The FIT test takes about 15 minutes to complete at home. If it is sent to a lab it takes around 24 hours for the results to come back. 

Why Would a Doctor Recommend a FIT Test?

A doctor may recommend a FIT test to screen for colon cancer if you are between the ages of 45 and 75 and have an average risk of colon cancer. If you have signs and symptoms of colon cancer, such as abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits, bleeding, constipation, or diarrhea, then you’ll need other tests to address these problems. Many doctors make it part of their annual screening being that it is non-invasive and very informative.

FIT Test and Polyps

FIT only detects human blood from the lower intestines. It does not diagnose cancer. Screening tests such as a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy can also help detect cancer. Both the FIT test and other screenings can catch colon cancer early, when it is easier to treat.

Hemorrhoids and FIT Tests

Hemorrhoids can cause a positive FIT test. If you have hemorrhoids (swollen veins in your anus) that are bleeding, do not collect stool samples for your FIT. Fissures or little cuts around your anus can also give a false positive. So remember, if you have a really hard poop, wait until it’s easier to get out before collecting. And if you are menstruating you will want to wait another week before collecting.  

Additional Information

It’s important to note that FIT is a screening test and not a diagnostic test. If you have a positive FIT test, your doctor will likely recommend a colonoscopy to investigate the cause of the bleeding.

To book an appointment for your fit test please send your requisition to [email protected] or give us a call for more information at (514) 396-9022.