Fecal Immunochemical Test (F.I.T.) used for routine
Colon Cancer Screening
This is the right test for you:
-when there is NO FAMILY HISTORY of colon cancer or polyps
-when you are between the age of 50 and 74
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a F.I.T.?
F.I.T. is a stool test used to look for possible signs of colorectal cancer. This test is able to look for a specific type of blood in your stool which helps identify if you have polyps (pre-cancerous growths) in your colon.
Why is F.I.T. done?
A stool test is done to look for signs of cancer by testing for blood in your stool. Tissue or polyps with cancer are more likely to bleed than normal tissue so if there is blood in your stool then it could mean you need to have these removed. If cancer is found early, treatments are more effective.
F.I.T. is a great stool test because it only looks for a specific type of blood related to signs of colon cancer. Other types of blood that may be in your digestive system from your diet (red meat) would not result in a positive F.I.T. This allows for the test to have a greater level of specificity for colon cancer screening than other types of stool tests.
How do I prepare for a F.I.T.?
A F.I.T. does not require any specific diet or medication preparation since it will only react to a specific type of blood. Do not do stool tests during your menstrual period or if you have active bleeding from hemorrhoids.
What do I do with my F.I.T. kit once I have completed collecting my sample?
Place the label you were provided onto the kit. *Write the date and time the sample was collected on the requisition you were provided with your kit. *Failing to provide this information will result in the test being cancelled by the lab.
You may take your completed sample with the requisition and drop it off at any Alberta Provincial Lab (formerly Calgary Lab Services) location. We suggest doing this if you also have any other lab tests that require you to go to the lab.
Alternately you are welcome to drop your completed sample off to us at the office.
REMEMBER: your sample must reach the lab within 7 days after it was collected
If you have further questions regarding a F.I.T. please contact your Primary Doctor.