Alternate names

Immunochemical fecal occult blood test; iFOBT; Colon cancer screening - FIT

How the FIT home colon cancer test is performed and resulted:

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How to Prepare for the Test

You do not need to do anything to prepare for the test.

How the Test Will Feel

Some people may be squeamish about collecting the sample. But you won't feel anything during the test.

Why the Test is Performed

Blood in the stool is an early sign of colon cancer. This test is performed to detect blood in the stool that you can't see. This type of screening can detect problems that can be treated before cancer develops or spreads.

Talk with your doctor about when you should have colon screenings.

Normal results

A normal result means the test did not detect any blood in the stool, indicated by a single line in the "C", or control, region of the cassette. However, because cancers in the colon may not always bleed, you should perform the test annually.

What abnormal test results mean

If the FIT comes back positive for blood in the stool, or a single line in the "C" region and a single line in the "T", or test region, your doctor will want to perform other tests, usually including a colonoscopy. The FIT test can't diagnose cancer. Prevention tests such as colonoscopy can also help detect cancer. Both the FIT test and other screenings can catch colon cancer early, when it's easier to treat. 

Risks

There are no risks from using the FIT.

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