How to use the bowel cancer screening FIT kit | NHS

What is a bowel cancer screening test kit?

A bowel cancer screening test kit, also known as a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT), is a simple at-home test designed to detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer or other bowel conditions.

Here's how a typical bowel cancer screening test kit works:

1. Kit Contents: The kit usually contains everything needed to collect a small sample of stool at home. This may include a collection stick or brush, a sample collection tube or card, and instructions for use.
2. Sample Collection: The individual collects a small sample of their stool using the collection stick or brush provided in the kit. The sample is usually obtained by wiping the stick or brush across the surface of the stool.
3. Sample Application: The collected stool sample is then applied to a specific area on the sample collection tube or card, following the instructions provided in the kit. This may involve transferring the sample onto a designated section of the card or inserting the stick or brush into the collection tube.
4. Return: Once the sample has been collected and applied to the collection device, the individual typically returns the completed kit by mail or to a designated drop-off location, as instructed in the kit.
5. Laboratory Analysis: The collected stool sample is then analyzed in a laboratory to detect the presence of blood. In some cases, newer tests such as fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) may be used, which specifically detect human blood proteins, providing more accurate results.
6. Results: After analysis, the individual will receive the results of the screening test. A negative result indicates that no blood was detected in the stool sample, while a positive result suggests the presence of blood and may warrant further investigation, such as additional diagnostic tests or a follow-up colonoscopy.

Bowel cancer screening test kits are recommended as part of national bowel cancer screening programs in many countries, including the UK, Australia, and several European countries. These programs aim to detect bowel cancer at an early stage when it is more treatable and may offer screening to eligible individuals within certain age groups. It's important for individuals to participate in bowel cancer screening programs as recommended by their healthcare providers to help detect bowel cancer early and improve treatment outcomes.