Fecal Immunochemical Test for Heme (FIT) – High-Sensitivity Probe
This test measures microscopic traces of blood in your stool, which may indicate hidden bleeding in the digestive tract.
["A simple stool test to check for internal bleeding that you can’t see."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 88257-1
- Short code
- E faecium hsp60 Bld Pos Ql Probe
- Synonyms
- E faecium hsp60 Bld Pos Ql Probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe
- 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
What This Test Measures
The test detects heme, a breakdown product of blood, using a chemical probe. Even small amounts of blood in stool can trigger a positive result, helping identify potential issues like bleeding from the colon, rectum, or other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
Why It’s Done
Doctors use this test to screen for colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in adults over 50 or those with risk factors like a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
How It’s Done
You’ll collect a small sample of stool in a provided container at home. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using a sensitive probe to detect heme.
What to Expect After the Test
There are no restrictions on diet or activity before testing. Results are typically ready within a few days. Follow-up may include additional tests (like a colonoscopy) if the test is positive.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
FIT (High-Sensitivity)
Frequently asked questions
A positive result suggests there may be bleeding in the digestive tract, prompting further evaluation. A negative result means no visible blood was detected in this sample, but it doesn’t rule out bleeding elsewhere or future issues.
A positive result may indicate hidden bleeding, which could be caused by conditions like hemorrhoids, polyps, or colorectal cancer. Your doctor will discuss next steps, such as additional testing or a colonoscopy.
No special preparation is needed. You can eat, drink, and go about your normal activities before collecting the stool sample.
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