FIT Test
What is FIT Test?
A Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) screens for Colorectal Cancer by checking for blood in the stool. It is one of the two main types of fecal occult blood tests.
Blood vessels in colon tumors or polyps may bleed with the passage of stool, but the blood is not always visible to the naked eye. Invisible blood is also known as occult blood. A FIT test uses antibodies to detect this hidden blood in the stool.
What does a positive FIT result mean?
The detection of blood indicates a positive test, but it does not necessarily mean a person has colorectal cancer.
Other conditions, such as hemorrhoids, benign polyps, and ulcers, may also cause blood in the stool. However, a positive test indicates that an individual should contact a doctor for additional tests, such as a colonoscopy.
How To Take A FIT Test
The FIT test is a simple and noninvasive test that people can perform at home. A home testing kit will include instructions and a sterile container for the stool sample. Most kits will also include an envelope for mailing the sample to a laboratory. A person does not have to restrict their diet or specially prepare before collecting their sample.
Who May Take FIT Tests?
Some people may wish to perform a FIT test as routine screening due to age. The Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults ages 45–75 years undergo screening for colorectal cancer.
Other individuals may wish to undergo testing because they are experiencing symptoms that could indicate colorectal cancer. These include trusted Source:
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Blood in or on the stool
- A feeling that the bowel is not empty after a bowel movement
- Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation
- Unexplained weight loss
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It predominantly affects older individuals, with the majority of cases occurring in people aged 50 and above. Colorectal cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options are limited. Therefore, it is suggested that people who are at risk of this disease use screening methods to detect the disease in its early stages. One of the best screening methods is to perform a fit test. We are the first laboratory in Oman that performs this test with the most up-to-date devices in the world.
