qFIT Bowel Cancer Screening Test | Home Stool Test
Take a qFIT bowel cancer screening test from home. Measure hidden blood in stool with professional laboratory analysis and confidential online results.
£44.99
- Home sample collection kit included
- Clear step-by-step instructions
- Discreet delivery
- Laboratory analysis
- Digital results within 2–5 working days
qFIT Bowel Cancer Screening Test
Check for Hidden Blood in Your Stool From Home
The qFIT Bowel Cancer Screening Test is a convenient laboratory test which detects minute quantities of human haemoglobin (blood) in a stool sample.
Blood appearing in the stool may have a number of different causes, and the presence of occult blood can assist in spotting those people who may require further medical evaluation, such as investigation for bowel disorders.
You can get information about your bowel health easily by taking a home sample and having it analysed in a professional laboratory, all without having to make an initial visit to a clinic.
Why Choose qFIT?
✓ Simple stool sample collection at home
✓ Quantitative measurement of faecal haemoglobin
✓ Professional laboratory analysis
✓ Detects blood that may not be visible
✓ Confidential online results
✓ Convenient and discreet
Get your qFIT test today and take a proactive step in gaining a better understanding of your bowel health.
What is a qFIT test?
qFIT is the quantitative faecal immunochemical test.
This is different from tests which merely state whether or not blood is present, in that a quantitative FIT measures the amount of human haemoglobin (Hb) in a stool sample.
The purpose of the test is to pick up very small amounts of blood which cannot be seen by the unaided eye.
Just because your result is elevated doesn’t mean that you have bowel cancer; blood in the stool can be caused by a variety of things, such as haemorrhoids, polyps, inflammation and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Yet if the result is abnormal it might be appropriate to have it further assessed.
What does the qFIT test identify?
The qFIT test detects faecal haemoglobin, which is blood that comes from the gastrointestinal tract.
The quantitative nature of the result enables the amount of haemoglobin present in your stool sample to be measured.
Why does this matter?
It is possible that only a little blood cannot be seen when you are using the toilet.
A qFIT test is able to pick up on blood that you might not otherwise notice and thus provides extra information which can help to support a suitable medical evaluation.
Important: qFIT serves as a screening and assessment tool and is not capable on its own of diagnosing bowel cancer or determining the cause of the bleeding.
Heading 2: Who Can Consider Taking a qFIT Test?
A qFIT test could be suitable for people who would like further information regarding their bowel health, especially if they have concerns about bowel symptoms.
You may wish to discuss qFIT or other appropriate testing with a healthcare professional if you have:
- A persistent change in bowel habits
- Changes in stool consistency or frequency
- Unexplained abdominal or lower abdominal discomfort
- Blood in or on your stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent tiredness or fatigue
- A personal history of bowel problems
- A family history of bowel cancer or bowel disease
Important information about symptoms
If you have any new bowel symptoms that are persistent or a concern, do not base your decision just on the result of an at-home qFIT test.
A normal result from a qFIT test doesn’t mean that you don’t have bowel cancer or any other bowel condition. If you’re worried about your symptoms, you should consult your GP or another qualified healthcare professional.
What does the qFIT Test Kit consist of?
The qFIT testing kit that you have at home has all the materials needed to gather your sample and send it back.
Your kit includes:
- Stool sample collection device
- Sample collection instructions
- Secure return packaging
- Laboratory qFIT analysis
- Confidential results report
The system for collecting the sample is designed so that you can get your sample in the simplest and most hygienic way possible.
How does the qFIT test function?
1. Order Your Test
Order the qFIT Bowel Cancer Screening Test online and have your kit sent to you in confidential packaging.
2. Gather your stool sample.
Collect a small stool sample according to the instructions that come with your kit.
3. Return Your Sample
Put the sample into the packaging that is provided and send it back to the laboratory by following the given instructions.
4. Laboratory Analysis
The lab will determine the concentration of human haemoglobin in your stool sample.
5. Receive Your Results
The results are given in quantitative terms and are made available via a confidential reporting system.
H2: Understanding Your qFIT Result
The value given by your qFIT test is the amount of haemoglobin in your stool, which is usually stated as micrograms of haemoglobin per gram of faeces (µg Hb/g faeces).
The importance of a result is determined by the level detected, the symptoms you have, your medical history and the clinical context.
Lower qFIT Result
A lower value means that only a small amount or no significant faecal haemoglobin was detected.
This may be reassuring, but a negative or low result still does not entirely exclude the possibility of bowel cancer or other bowel conditions.
You should go for medical advice if you have symptoms that persist or worry you.
Raised qFIT Result
A higher result indicates that more haemoglobin was found in the stool.
It doesn’t mean that you have bowel cancer.
Blood in stool can have many causes, including:
- Haemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
- Polyps
- Diverticular disease
- Inflammation
- Other gastrointestinal conditions
- Bowel cancer
A healthcare professional should decide if further investigation is called for.
H2: qFIT Reference Values and Clinical Interpretation
The qFIT results are given in quantitative terms rather than being stated simply as positive or negative.
The clinical importance and the cutoff point for referral may differ depending on the reason for the test, the symptoms exhibited, the patient’s circumstances and the existing UK clinical guidelines.
That is why your qFIT result should be considered in light of your symptoms and medical history.
If the result has gone up, you should follow the medical advice included with your report and get in touch with your GP or healthcare professional as needed.
You shouldn’t postpone getting medical attention just because you are waiting for a qFIT result.
Heading 2: What Benefits Does a qFIT Test Offer?
Detects Hidden Blood
qFIT is capable of detecting small quantities of human blood in the stool that cannot be seen by the unaided eye.
Quantitative Result
Instead of just giving a yes or no answer, the quantitative FIT measures the amount of haemoglobin that is detected.
Convenient Home Collection
You can collect your sample privately at home without first having to make a clinic appointment.
Professional Laboratory Analysis
The sample is subject to analysis through laboratory testing procedures.
Confidential Results
You will get your result via a confidential reporting system.
Simple Sample Collection
The collection device and the instructions provided are intended to make the process of collecting samples as simple as possible.
H2: qFIT vs Traditional Stool Blood Testing
qFIT is a test which has been specially designed to detect human haemoglobin in the stool.
When compared with the older guaiac-based faecal occult blood tests (gFOBT), FIT has several advantages such as a higher specificity for human haemoglobin and a more straightforward testing procedure.
The right test to use will vary according to the clinical situation and the screening programme or healthcare pathway that is being followed.
H2: Is qFIT identical to the NHS FIT Test?
FIT is commonly used in the UK’s NHS bowel cancer screening programme and in clinical pathways.
It should not be taken for granted that a qFIT test carried out when a house is bought independently is equivalent to having taken part in the NHS bowel cancer screening programme or to having gone through an NHS diagnostic or referral pathway.
If you have got an NHS FIT kit or have been told by your GP or other healthcare professional to carry out a particular FIT test, then you should follow their instructions.
The independent qFIT test should not be used as a substitute for invitations to NHS screening or for a medical assessment.
H2: qFIT Test and Bowel Cancer Screening
Bowel cancer is easier to treat when it is detected at an early stage, which is one of the reasons why screening programmes are important.
FIT can be used to detect individuals who may have blood in their stool and who might then benefit from further evaluation.
Yet qFIT should not be used as a test for bowel cancer.
A positive result might cause more investigations to be carried out, while a normal result does not mean that bowel cancer or some other bowel condition is not present.
You ought to take part in the bowel cancer screening programme as recommended by the NHS even if you have already done a private qFIT test.
Heading 2: When Should You Contact Your General Practitioner?
Speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare professional if you have:
- Persistent changes in bowel habits
- Blood in your stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
- Ongoing unexplained fatigue
- Symptoms that are getting worse
- A strong family history of bowel cancer
- Concerns about your bowel health
Seek urgent medical help if:
You are experiencing heavy or ongoing bleeding from the rectum, have severe abdominal pain, are vomiting, have black or tarry stools, have fainted, or feel very unwell.
If you have any worrying or severe symptoms, do not wait for the result of a home test.
H2: Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of things does the qFIT test detect?
The qFIT test is able to detect and measure small quantities of human haemoglobin in a sample of stool; however, blood in the stool may have a number of causes and does not always mean that one has bowel cancer.
What is qFIT?
qFIT is the quantitative faecal immunochemical test and it measures the quantity of human haemoglobin in a stool sample.
Can the qFIT test diagnose bowel cancer?
qFIT is not a test for diagnosing bowel cancer; if the result is high then blood has been found and this may mean that further medical investigation is suitable.
Could a positive qFIT result be the result of something other than cancer?
Yes, there are a number of possible causes of blood in the stool, such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, diverticular disease, inflammation and other gastrointestinal conditions.
Does a normal result from a qFIT test exclude someone from having bowel cancer?
Not at all; a low or normal result lowers the probability that there is significant bleeding at the time of the test, but it does not entirely exclude the possibility of bowel cancer or other bowel disorders. People who have persistent or concerning symptoms should still have these symptoms evaluated by a healthcare professional.
What is the procedure for obtaining a qFIT sample?
The package contains a stool sample collection apparatus and instructions for collecting your sample. Take the instructions that come with your particular kit very carefully.
Is it necessary for me to alter my diet before having a qFIT test?
FIT does not usually involve the dietary limitations linked to the older guaiac-based faecal blood tests. Yet you should always adhere to the instructions that come with your test kit.
How long does it take to get the qFIT results?
The results are usually sent to you within a few days of the laboratory having received your sample. For the current turnaround time, please refer to the one given on the product page or contact your testing kit.
Is qFIT the same as the NHS FIT test?
FIT is widely used by the NHS for bowel cancer screening and clinical assessment. However, a privately purchased qFIT test should not automatically be considered a replacement for an NHS screening test, GP assessment or NHS referral pathway.
What happens if my qFIT result is raised?
A raised result does not mean that you have bowel cancer. Depending on your result, symptoms and clinical circumstances, you may be advised to speak to your GP or another healthcare professional for further assessment.
H2: Order Your qFIT Bowel Cancer Screening Test
Take a proactive approach to your bowel health with a quantitative faecal immunochemical test from Repose Healthcare.
Collect your sample conveniently at home and receive professional laboratory analysis and confidential results.
qFIT Bowel Cancer Screening Test
Home sample collection • Quantitative faecal haemoglobin measurement • Professional laboratory analysis • Confidential results
[ORDER YOUR qFIT TEST]
Important Information
The qFIT test detects and measures blood in stool. It does not diagnose bowel cancer or determine the cause of bleeding.
A normal result does not completely exclude bowel cancer or other bowel conditions. If you have persistent, new or concerning symptoms, speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare professional.
If you have severe symptoms, heavy rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, black or tarry stools, vomiting, fainting or feel seriously unwell, seek urgent medical attention.
If you have received an NHS bowel cancer screening invitation or have been advised to complete a specific test by a healthcare professional, follow their instructions.
Home Testing Kit
The required sample collection equipment for your selected test.
Sample Collection Materials
Appropriate tubes, swabs, lancets or collection containers depending on the test.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Clear instructions explaining how to prepare for and collect your sample.
Sample Return Packaging
Suitable packaging for safely returning your sample to the laboratory.
Laboratory Testing
Your sample is analysed for the biomarkers or health markers included in your selected test.
How does the home testing process work?
Choose your test online and place your order. Your test kit will be delivered with clear instructions and the equipment needed to collect your sample at home. Once your sample has been collected, return it using the provided return method. Your sample will then be analysed and your results provided securely.
How do I collect my sample?
Each test kit includes step-by-step instructions explaining how to collect your specific sample. Follow the instructions carefully to make sure your sample is collected correctly.
Do I need to visit a clinic or GP?
Our home testing service is designed to allow you to collect your sample from home. Whether you need to speak with a healthcare professional depends on your individual circumstances and the type of test you are taking.
How do I send my sample back?
Place your collected sample in the packaging provided with your kit and follow the included return instructions. Where applicable, a prepaid return envelope will be included.
When will I receive my results?
The turnaround time depends on the test you have purchased. Your product page and test instructions will provide the expected timeframe for your results.
What happens if my result is outside the normal range?
A result outside the laboratory reference range does not necessarily mean that you have a medical condition. If you are concerned about your results, discuss them with an appropriate healthcare professional.
What if I make a mistake while collecting my sample?
Follow the instructions provided with your kit. If you believe your sample has been collected incorrectly or your kit has been damaged, contact customer support before sending the sample back.
Can I order more than one test?
Yes. You can order multiple tests where appropriate. Make sure you follow the individual collection and preparation instructions for each test.
Is my personal information kept private?
Your personal and test information should be handled securely in accordance with the applicable privacy and data protection requirements.
