Bowel Cancer Screening (FIT) Test
The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a stool test used in bowel cancer screening. It checks for tiny amounts of hidden blood in your stool that may not be visible to the naked eye.
The test can be completed in the comfort of your own home, with no fasting required.
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WHY CHOOSE FIT?
Simple home sample collection, professional laboratory analysis and convenient prepaid return.
Suitable for adults and children
For children, discuss the suitability of testing with their GP.
Test in the comfort of your own home
Collect your sample at home without a clinic visit.
Simple, easy and quick to perform
Follow the instructions provided with your testing kit.
Non-invasive
A stool sample test with no needles or invasive procedure.
Only a small sample required
Use the sampling stick supplied to collect the amount required.
Accredited Irish laboratory
Samples are analysed by a fully accredited Irish medical laboratory.
Convenient prepaid return
Post your sample directly to the laboratory in the prepaid package, which fits through a standard postbox.
FIT testing FAQs
What is the Faecal Immunochemical Test?
Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a process of screening for bowel (colorectal) cancer. It checks for hidden blood in one’s stool from the lower intestines. The concept of the FIT test is that blood vessels in large colon polyps or cancers are usually delicate enough to be injured easily by passing stool, resulting in small quantities of blood released from those vessels which can only be detected through FIT testing.
How does the process work?
Small quantity of stool is collected using the sample stick provided, and sent to the laboratory for analysis. If anything unusual is found during the analysis, one is recommended to carry out further testing. The presence of blood can be an indicator of polyps, inflammatory bowel conditions, hemorrhoids, or bowel cancer. Polyps however are usually not dangerous, but there is little possibility of them developing into cancer later on.
The significance of FIT
Undertaking bowel cancer screening regularly minimizes the risk of succumbing from colon cancer. Also, colon cancer is among the most common cancers affecting a significant population. Therefore, the Faecal Immunochemical test assists in detecting colon cancer at an early stage when it is easily treatable.
Please note: Medications such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs may cause stomach irritation and affect the test. If possible, and only after consultation with your Doctor, these medications should not be taken for three days before and during the time of sample collection.
A high fibre diet is recommended for three days before sample collection starts.
Analysis
A fully accredited laboratory analyzes the samples: accreditation ISO 15189, the International Standard for Medical Laboratories.
Who should take a FIT test?
The FIT test is recommended for adults, especially those with a family history of bowel cancer, persistent digestive symptoms, or as part of routine screening. Your GP may also recommend it if you have unexplained anaemia or changes in bowel habits.
Can I do a FIT test if I have symptoms?
Yes, but if you are experiencing ongoing rectal bleeding, persistent diarrhoea or constipation, unexplained weight loss, or abdominal pain, you should consult your doctor for further investigation.
How accurate is the FIT test?
FIT is more accurate and specific than older stool blood tests. It detects human haemoglobin from the lower bowel, reducing false positives from diet or upper GI sources. However, no test is 100% accurate, therefore if symptoms persist, follow-up with your doctor is important.
How often should I repeat the test?
If your result is negative and you are at average risk, repeating the test every 1–2 years is recommended. People with increased risk (e.g. family history or previous bowel polyps) may require more frequent testing or a colonoscopy.
What if my FIT test is negative but I still have symptoms?
A negative test means no detectable blood was found, but it doesn’t rule out all bowel problems. If symptoms persist (e.g. bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, pain, or unexplained fatigue), follow up with your GP or a gastroenterologist.
What are the advantages of the FIT test?
- Non-invasive and easy to do at home
- Detects early signs of bowel disease
- More specific and accurate than older tests
- Can helps reduce unnecessary colonoscopies
What are the limitations of the FIT test?
It detects blood but not its source.
Some cancers or polyps may not bleed continuously.
False negatives can occur if bleeding is intermittent.
Always interpret results with your GP alongside your clinical history and symptoms.
FIT Test Details
- Testing Age
- Adults & Children
- Referral
- No referral required
- Results
- Approx. 10 working days from laboratory receipt
Home Test Kit Fee
€84
What’s included in your FIT kit?
Your kit includes the items needed to collect your sample at home and package it for return to the laboratory.
Test Instructions
Instructions to guide you through collecting, packaging and returning your sample.
Test Request Form
Complete the required details and return the form with your sample.
Prepaid Postage Envelope
For returning your packaged sample directly to the laboratory. No stamp required.
Biohazard Bag
For packaging your sample as shown in the supplied instructions.
Green Plastic Bag
For enclosing your sample container before return, following the kit instructions.
Sample Collection Container
For collecting the small sample required for laboratory analysis.
How to understand my FIT test results
Click the link below to understand what your FIT test report indicates, including the different result ranges.
What do my FIT results mean?
Shipping and T&C’s
Patient Details
Ordering for someone else?
We assume the name and address provided at checkout belong to the patient taking the test.
If you are purchasing the test for a family member or someone else, please contact GastroLife immediately after purchase to provide the patient’s details.
Order your home testing kit by clicking on the Add to Cart Button below
Looking for a stool DNA testing option?
Colosafe Stool DNA Test
FIT checks for hidden blood in stool. Colosafe looks for a DNA marker associated with bowel cancer and some pre-cancerous bowel polyps.
- DNA-based analysis: looks for methylation of the SDC2 gene.
- A different signal from FIT: detection does not depend on blood being present in the sample.
- Convenient home collection: collect your stool sample in the comfort of home.
- No fasting or bowel preparation: follow the collection instructions supplied with your kit.
Home Test €349
Find out more about Colosafe
