Colorectal Cancer Screening Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) – End of Study Collection
This test measures hidden blood in your stool to help detect early signs of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps. It’s part of routine screening.
["A simple stool test to check for blood you can’t see, helping catch colorectal cancer early when treatment is most effective."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111955-1
- Short code
- Site Colon Endscpy
- Synonyms
- Site Colon Endscpy
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- endoscopy
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The FIT test detects microscopic amounts of blood in your stool, which may come from polyps, early cancer, or other gastrointestinal issues. Blood in stool can sometimes be caused by hemorrhoids, but this test focuses on detecting blood that might signal serious conditions like colorectal cancer.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test as part of colorectal cancer screening, especially if you’re at higher risk due to age, family history, or other factors. It’s a non-invasive way to monitor your health without needing a colonoscopy.
What to Expect
You’ll collect a small stool sample at home using a provided kit. The test involves placing a sample on a special card, which is then mailed to a lab for analysis. This process takes about 10 minutes and doesn’t require any special preparation beyond normal bowel movements.
Preparation and Collection
No special preparation is needed, but avoid using stool softeners or laxatives that may change the appearance of your stool. If you have diarrhea, wait until your stool is firm before collecting the sample. Follow the instructions provided with your kit carefully to ensure accurate results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
FIT (End)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can I eat or drink normally before collecting the stool sample?
How often should I get this test?
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