If your healthcare provider ordered this test, follow the instructions you were given. The good news is that it’s a really easy test to take, and it doesn’t require that you prepare in any way. Try not to worry about why your practitioner ordered the test; see what the results are first and what your healthcare provider thinks is going on before you start to think the worst.

How Is a FIT Different Than a FOBT?

The FOBT uses a chemical indicator that shows a color change in the presence of blood, whereas FIT/iFOBT uses antibodies directed against specific molecules in human blood to detect blood in the stool.

The FIT doesn’t require patients to follow a restricted diet before taking the test. To take a FOBT, patients must not eat any red meat and also must stop taking certain medications for a number of days prior to the test. Many patients also find the collection methods of the FIT easier than those of the FOBT.

Why FIT/FOBT Is Used

Fecal occult blood tests such as the FIT or the FOBT are usually recommended at regular intervals to screen for colon cancer starting at age 45 and continuing until age 75.3 People at high risk for colon cancer because of family history or polyps may begin testing earlier, as determined by a healthcare provider. (The American Cancer Society and US Preventative Services Task Force recommend average risk individuals begin testing at age 45.)

Preparation

The FIT doesn’t require any special preparation, but there are some conditions that could affect the results. You should not use the FIT if you:

Have active bleeding from hemorrhoid or anal fissure Have blood in your urine Are a woman having a menstrual period or are within three days after the end of your period

Collecting Samples

You will be given a kit to be used for collecting stool samples for the test. This kit should be kept in the bathroom at home, or carried with you when you’re away from home during the test. 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. Apply the sample by swabbing the appropriate spot on the test card for several seconds with the bristles of the brush. 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.

Following up After the Test

Call your healthcare provider in a few days for the results. If the test shows that there is blood in the stool (a positive test), don’t panic. There are many reasons blood could be in your stool. Your practitioner will likely want to do more tests to find out why the blood is there. In some cases, another test called a colonoscopy may be recommended.

If the test is negative (shows no blood in the stool), find out what your healthcare provider wants you to do next, if anything, and if the test should be repeated after a period of time (such as 1 year or 5 years).

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.