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.
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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
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:
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.
After finishing the test, seal the test envelope and return the kit to your practitioner or the laboratory.
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Risks
This test is safe and painless.
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 outwhy the blood is there. In some cases, another test called acolonoscopymay 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.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening tests.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of GI bleeding.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening guidelines.
American Cancer Society. “Can Colorectal Polyps and Cancer Be Found Early” Cancer.org.Enterix, Inc. “InSure Patient Guide.” Clinical Genomics.
American Cancer Society. “Can Colorectal Polyps and Cancer Be Found Early” Cancer.org.
Enterix, Inc. “InSure Patient Guide.” Clinical Genomics.
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