Instructions for the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

Description

A healthcare professional has asked for a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for occult blood. This test aims to detect the presence of blood hidden in stool that is invisible to the naked eye. The FIT is simple and is used to screen for colorectal cancer. Also, it does not require a particular diet or preparation.

To ensure accurate test results, it is important to follow the instructions below. If you are having your period or have bleeding hemorrhoids, wait 3 days after the bleeding stops before collecting your specimen.

Prepare the test

To do the test, you were given:

A bilingual instruction guide (whose content is identical to the content of this page)
A sample collection tube
A plastic bag
Two waterproof and biodegradable papers

Take a sample

Step 1

Open your sample collection kit.

Step 2

When you are ready to do the test, take the tube and legibly write the following information on the label:

First and last name
Health insurance card number
Date of the test

If the label is pre-identified with your name, only write the date and time of the test on the lines to the right of the barcode.

Step 3

Unfold one paper. Place it directly on the clean water in the center of the toilet bowl so that the sides of the paper stick to the wall of the bowl. If the paper is not suitable for your bowl, you can use a plastic container or an aluminum plate, which you will throw away after collecting the sample.

Step 4

Let your stools fall onto the paper or the container. Your stool must not be mixed with urine or any other liquid before sampling. If you need to urinate, do so and flush before you pass stool, or urinate after you have collected the stool sample.

Step 5

Twist and pull the green cap to open the sample collection tube.

Step 6

Insert the hatched part of the green stem in your stool and make an "X" shape movement on the surface. A small sample of your stool is sufficient to cover the hatched part of the stem.

Step 7

Reinsert the stem into the tube and close it tightly. Do not reopen the tube once you have closed it. You may then flush the toilet.

Step 8

Wash your hands.

Step 9

Put your sample tube in the plastic bag and close it.

Step 10

Keep the bag in the fridge until you bring your stool sample to the specimen collection center.

Bring the sample to the designated location

You must take your stool sample to the designated location as soon as possible, within 48 hours of collecting the sample. If you still have the paper copy of your requisition form, remember to include it in the bag with your stool sample. Check the center’s opening hours.

In the meantime, keep the bag in the refrigerator. Your test results will be sent to a healthcare professional and the appropriate follow-up will be organized.