Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
The FIT is a simple, at-home screening test for colon cancer. It detects hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of issues.
FIT tends to be more accurate and have fewer false positives than other tests. Unlike older tests, medicines and food do not interfere with the results, so no special diet is needed.
How the Test is Performed
You will use this test at home. While you should always follow the specific instructions in your kit, the general steps are:
- Flush the toilet before having a bowel movement.
- Dispose of paper: Put used toilet paper in the provided waste bag. Do not put it into the toilet bowl.
- Collect: Use the brush from the kit to brush the surface of the stool, then dip the brush into the toilet water.
- Apply: Touch the brush on the space indicated on the test card.
- Clean up: Add the brush to the waste bag and throw it away.
- Submit: Send the sample to the lab for testing. (Your provider may ask for more than one sample).
How it feels: You will not feel anything during the test.
Who needs screening?
If you are age 45 to 75, you should be screened for colorectal cancer. Talk to your provider about which schedule is right for you:
- Every Year: Stool-based fecal occult blood (gFOBT) or FIT.
- Every 1–3 Years: Stool sDNA test.
- Every 5 Years: Flexible sigmoidoscopy or CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy).
- Every 10 Years: Colonoscopy.
Understanding Your Results
Normal Result
No blood was detected.
Because cancers may not always bleed, you may need to repeat the test a few times to confirm the result. Continue following your doctor's screening schedule.
Abnormal (Positive) Result
Blood was detected in the stool.
This does not necessarily mean you have cancer. However, your provider will likely want to perform a colonoscopy to find the source of the bleeding.