What is a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)?

At Blair Gastroenterology Associates, we offer a FIT test, or fecal immunochemical test. This test is used for screening colon cancer. It is a preventative care service that is performed to prevent an illness or injury. A fecal immunochemical test is also known as an immunochemical fecal occult blood test, or IFOT. This blood test screens for hidden blood in your stool. If you have concerns or know that colon cancer runs in your family, be sure to discuss these concerns with your doctor or call our office to speak to one of our specialists. Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and Pennsylvanians have the 13th highest death rate for colon cancer in the country. We know that these statistics can seem frightening, but getting tested can help you avoid becoming a statistic. We usually don’t know the exact reason why one individual gets colon cancer and another does not, however we do know that there are certain risk factors associated with the development of this deadly disease. We also know that colon cancer is highly preventable when we follow the guidelines for the prevention of this disease.

What Can I Expect During My Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)?

The fecal immunochemical test is typically done once a year. During this test your stool antibodies will be screened for any presence of blood. Your physician will ask you to take a small stool sample using a brush or stick. You will then bring this stool sample into Blair Gastroenterology Associates to be tested in our lab.

Preparing for your Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

Food and medication does not affect the fecal immunochemical test so there are no special instructions to follow from your doctor. Your gastroenterologist will give you the fecal immunochemical test kit to take home with instructions on how to obtain the stool sample and when to bring it into the office.