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A fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a diagnostic tool that can screen for colorectal cancer. It detects hidden blood in the stool, which indicates bowel characteristics that may be due to colorectal cancer. A positive FIT result will warrant further investigation, and an early diagnosis of cancer generally leads to more effective treatment and a better outlook.
Quick links
- Best FIT test with membership discounts: Everlywell
- Best FIT test with 24-7 support: LetsGetChecked
- Best FIT test with a positive lab reputation: Pixel
- Best FIT test with instant results: Pinnacle Biolabs
- Best FIT test with online results: QuestDirect
- Best FIT test with DNA testing: Cologuard
This article explains what a FIT test involves, looks at the advantages and disadvantages of different at-home tests, and answers some frequently asked questions.
A FIT test screens for colorectal cancer by checking for blood in the stool. It is one of the two main types of fecal occult blood tests. Blood vessels in colon tumors or polyps may bleed with the passage of stool, but the blood is not always visible to the naked eye. A FIT test uses antibodies to detect hidden blood in the stool.
What does a positive FIT result mean?
The detection of blood indicates a positive test, but it does not necessarily mean a person has colorectal cancer. Other conditions, such as hemorrhoids, benign polyps, and ulcers, may also cause blood in the stool. However, a positive test indicates that an individual should contact their doctor for additional tests, such as a colonoscopy.
How to take a FIT test
The FIT test is a simple and noninvasive test that people can perform at home. A home testing kit will include instructions and a sterile container for the stool sample. Most kits will also include an envelope for mailing the sample to a laboratory. A person does not have to restrict their diet or specially prepare before collecting their sample.
Who may take FIT tests?
Some people may wish to perform a FIT test as a routine screening because of their age. The Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults ages 45–75 years undergo screening for colorectal cancer. Other individuals may wish to undergo testing because they are experiencing symptoms that could indicate colorectal cancer. These include:
- unexplained abdominal pain
- changes in bowel habits
- unexplained weight loss
Medical News Today chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:
- Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in
CLIA-certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations. - Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
- Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
- Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
- Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.
The concept behind a FIT test is the same regardless of the manufacturer, although individual instructions and processing times may vary. Below are several home testing kits to consider.
Please note that the writer and medical reviewer of this article have not tried these products and do not endorse or reject them. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best FIT test with membership discounts: Everlywell
- Price: $49
- Results turnaround: within days
- Pro: people can share results with their doctor
- Con: only available for those ages 45 years or older
Everlywell states that only those ages 45 years and older are eligible for this screening. A board certified doctor in the person’s state will review all test results, which take a few days to receive.
One advantage of Everlywell is that its system offers the results through an online dashboard, making them easy for a person to share with their doctor. The cost of the FIT test is around $49, and the company accepts Health Savings Accounts (HSA) payments.
Learn more about the Everlywell brand.
Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off.
Best FIT test with 24-7 support: LetsGetChecked
- Price: $69
- Results turnaround: 2–5 days
- Pro: provides professional advice with a positive test result
- Con: does not accept insurance
LetsGetChecked offers results in 2–5 days. Nurses are available to discuss positive test results with the individual, and a person’s doctor can also download the results.
The test costs around $69 for a single purchase, but someone looking for regular screening tests can save money by subscribing.
Learn more about the LetsGetChecked brand.
Best FIT test for those with FSA or HSA accounts: Pixel
- Price: $89
- Results turnaround: no information available
- Pro: offers phone or email support with results that require prompt attention
- Con: more expensive than some other FIT tests
Pixel describes its testing kit as a “simpler and more affordable” alternative to colonoscopies. As with the tests above, an individual shops and pays online for the Pixel FIT test, which costs around $89.
An independent healthcare professional will review and approve the test request, so a doctor’s visit is unnecessary. However, the service does not indicate how long it takes return test results.
Additionally, Pixel states that PWN health will contact a person via phone or email if they receive a test result that requires urgent attention.
Pixel accepts both FSA and HSA accounts as payment.
Best FIT test with instant results: Pinnacle Biolabs
- Price: $29.99
- Results turnaround: within minutes
- Pro: provides one of the fastest results times
- Con: possible false negative results (though rare)
Pinnacle Biolabs’ Second Generation FIT offers results in minutes, and it is reportedly the top-selling colon cancer screening test in North America.
The main advantage of this test, which costs $29.99, is that an individual performs the whole test at home and does not need to post their sample. They can also see their results within minutes. However, the company does not indicate whether support is available for those who receive positive test results.
Best FIT test with online results: QuestDirect
- Price: $89
- Results turnaround: no information available
- Pro: provides video instructions on how to take a sample
- Con: not available to those residing in Alaska, Hawaii, or Arizona
An individual can order this test online without needing a doctor’s visit, as a physician reviews the order to ensure it is appropriate.
This test costs around $90 plus a $6 doctor’s fee, making it more expensive than some other FIT testing kits.
Best FIT test with DNA testing: Cologuard
- Price: no information available
- Results turnaround: 2 weeks
- Pro: accepts insurance from Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurers
- Con: no pricing information is available
This test identifies atypical DNA in stools as well as the presence of blood. This kit is available on prescription from a doctor, but it is also available from one of the company’s telemedicine providers.
The service recommends this screening for individuals over the age of 45 years, and a person may be able to purchase a kit through their insurer.
The following table compares the products in this article.
| Results turnaround | Accepts FSA or HSA | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everlywell | within days | yes | $49 |
| LetsGetChecked | 2–5 days | yes | $69 |
| Pixel | no information available | yes | $89 |
| Pinnacle Biolabs | within minutes | no information available | $29.99 |
| QuestDirect | no information available | yes | $89 |
| Cologuard | 2 weeks | no information available | no information available |
People may wish to consider the following when purchasing an at-home test:
- Results turnaround: Tests often provide results within days to weeks. People who are looking for faster test results may prefer to purchase a product with a shorter turnaround time.
- Insurance: Many at-home test companies do not accept insurance. People may wish to consider whether it would be less expensive to purchase a test out of pocket or go through a doctor’s office and claim it on their insurance.
- Accessibility: Most at-home tests are available through the manufacturer’s website. However, some tests, such as Cologuard, require people to either request a test through their doctor or attend a telemedicine appointment.
- Price: At-home test prices vary but are often between $30 and $90.
In the United States, colorectal cancer is the
- having excess body weight or obesity
- living a sedentary lifestyle
- eating a diet low in fruit and vegetables
- eating a low fiber and high fat diet
- consuming large quantities of processed meats
- smoking
- drinking alcohol
Colorectal cancer tends to
Whether an individual undergoes a colonoscopy or FIT test may depend on their assessed risk. The
- no history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- no family history of colorectal cancer
- no history of Crohn’s disease or any form of inflammatory bowel disease
- no history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
- no history of radiation treatment to the belly
Anyone who receives a positive FIT test result should contact a doctor for further evaluation. Although a positive test does not necessarily mean a person has colorectal cancer, a healthcare professional can discuss the next steps.
It is also important to contact a doctor if symptoms occur that could indicate colorectal cancer. People who believe they have an increased risk of this disease may also wish to discuss regular screening with a healthcare professional.
FIT tests can detect early signs of colon cancer, but there are other reasons a person may receive a positive result, including colon polyps, precancerous polyps, inflammation, and hemorrhoids. Seeking medical advice is important in ruling out or diagnosing any medical condition. “}}]}
People considering ordering a FIT test to use at home may wonder:
Is a FIT test accurate?
Overall, a
This conclusion is consistent with a
When should you take an at-home colorectal cancer test?
The Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer recommends that people with an average risk of colorectal cancer begin undergoing screenings from the age of 50 years. However, the
If a person wishes to have a FIT test instead of other screening options, they can discuss this with their doctor.
Can a FIT test diagnose colorectal cancer without a colonoscopy?
A FIT test does not diagnose colorectal cancer. Instead, it detects blood in the stool, which is not always visible to the naked eye. The presence of blood may indicate colorectal cancer or other bowel complications. A positive FIT result warrants further investigation to diagnose the cause of the bleeding.
Does insurance cover a FIT test?
Whether a person’s insurance covers a FIT test may depend on their age and specific benefit package. For example, Medicare covers the test once every 12 months for enrollees ages 50 years and older.
In some cases, an individual may also use funds from their HSA to cover the costs.
Is a FIT test as good as Cologuard?
Cologuard tests for atypical DNA in addition to blood, and some may consider this screening more thorough. However, a small
What does a positive FIT result mean?
A positive result means that there was blood within the stool — possibly not visible to the naked eye — at the time of testing.
If a person’s result is positive, they should contact a doctor, who may then recommend a colonoscopy.
What can a FIT test detect?
A FIT test can detect early signs of colon cancer, but there are other reasons an individual may receive a positive result, including:
- colon polyps
- precancerous polyps
- inflammation
- hemorrhoids
Seeking medical advice is important in excluding or diagnosing any medical condition.
A FIT test is a type of colorectal cancer screening. The test detects blood in the stool that may not be visible to the naked eye. The presence of blood indicates a need for further screenings to diagnose the cause of the bleeding. While a positive result does not necessarily mean a person has cancer, early detection and treatment of this disease generally improve their outlook.
A variety of at-home FIT test kit options are available for people to consider. Individuals can perform these tests at home, often without needing a doctor’s visit.