The FIT (faecal immunochemical test) is done to test for 'hidden' blood in poo. This is blood that cannot be seen by the naked eye. The stool sample is sent to the laboratory and they give it a number anything below 10 means there is no blood detected (fit negative). Anything over 10 means that blood has been found (FIT positive) the highest number is 400.
Try not to read too much into how high the reading is, this does not mean it is cancer nor does it necessarily mean that you are at a higher risk of it being cancer. Finding blood means that further tests are needed such as acolonoscopy so the doctor can take a closer look at the bowel.
Most people referred to the hospital with a positive FIT test will not have cancer. As well as ruling out cancer, the doctors will be looking for other non-cancerous conditions such as polyps or diverticular disease.
I hope this helps a little. Please feel free to get back to us if you need any more information or support. You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
