Fecal Immunochemical Test for Occult Blood (FIT) – Probe/Confirm
This test detects hidden blood in your stool, often used to screen for gastrointestinal issues like colorectal cancer or bleeding ulcers.
["A simple stool test to check for hidden blood that may signal a serious health concern."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 96304-1
- Short code
- E faecalis DNA Bld Pos Ql NAA+n-prb
- Synonyms
- E faecalis DNA Bld Pos Ql NAA+n-prb
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- non-probe-amp-tar
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or persistent abdominal discomfort. It’s also part of routine screening for people at higher risk of colorectal cancer, especially those over 50 or with a family history of the disease.
How the Test Works
The test uses a chemical probe to detect blood in your stool. If blood is present, it triggers a color change that indicates a positive result. This is not a confirmatory test alone; results may be followed up with additional testing if needed.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is required, but you may be asked to avoid certain foods or medications that could interfere with results, such as red meat, vitamin supplements, or certain blood thinners. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll collect a small sample of stool using a provided kit. The sample is then tested in a lab. The process is quick and painless, similar to collecting a urine sample.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results suggest the presence of hidden blood in stool, which could indicate conditions like colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, ulcers, or other gastrointestinal bleeding. However, false positives can occur, so further evaluation (such as a colonoscopy) may be needed to determine the cause. Negative results do not rule out all causes of gastrointestinal bleeding and may require additional testing if symptoms persist.
Short name
FIT Probe/Confirm
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can I eat or drink anything before the test?
Is this test painful or uncomfortable?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy