Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): At-Home Stool Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening

The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a simple screening test that checks your stool sample for hidden (occult) blood, which can sometimes be an early warning sign of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps before you notice any symptoms.

The 24-hour urine beta globulin and total protein test measures the amounts of beta globulin and total protein excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. Normally, healthy kidneys filter waste from blood while keeping important proteins in the bloodstream. When kidneys are damaged, they may allow proteins like beta globulin to leak into urine.

Your doctor may recommend this test if you are 45 years of age or older and due for routine colorectal cancer screening, or if you have certain risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer, that make regular testing especially important for your health.

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of kidney problems such as swelling in your hands or feet, foamy urine, unexplained fatigue, or high blood pressure. It is also used to monitor existing kidney disease, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, and screen for conditions like diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, or nephrotic syndrome.

Collecting the sample is easy and done entirely at home. Your provider will give you a kit with full instructions. Usually, you use the brush or collection device to place a small stool sample on the card or into the tube, then seal it and mail or return it to the lab.

For a 24-hour urine collection, you will receive a special container from the laboratory. On the morning of the test, urinate into the toilet and note the time. For the next 24 hours, collect all urine in the provided container, including the final specimen at the exact same time the following day. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place. Return the container to the lab as instructed.

A normal (negative) result means no hidden blood was detected, and you can usually repeat screening in one to two years. An abnormal (positive) result means blood was found; it does not prove you have cancer, but you will need a follow-up colonoscopy to find the source.

Normal urine contains minimal protein. Elevated levels of beta globulin or total protein in urine (proteinuria) indicate that your kidneys are not filtering properly. Higher amounts may suggest kidney disease, infection, or other conditions. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your medical history and other test findings.

This test is very safe because it involves no procedures, radiation, or medications. The only drawbacks are minor inconvenience when collecting the sample and the small possibility of a false-positive or false-negative result, which is why repeat or follow-up testing matters.

There are no physical risks from this test. The main challenge is accurately collecting all urine over the 24-hour period. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.