Faecal Immunochemical Testing (quantitative FIT) for Haemoglobin
| Category | Biochemistry |
|---|---|
| Test background |
FIT is an immunochemical test for the quantitative detection of occult human haemoglobin in stool samples. |
| Clinical Indications |
The quantitative faecal immunochemical test we offer (OC-Sensor) is one of the FIT tests recommended for adoption in primary care to guide referral for suspected colorectal cancer in people without rectal bleeding who have unexplained symptoms but do not meet the criteria for a suspected cancer pathway referral outlined in NICE's guideline on suspected cancer (recommendations 1.3.1 to 1.3.3). (NICE NG12, 2023) |
| Reference range | 0-9 ug/g quoted as NICE NG30 (2023) recommends a threshold of 10 ug/g |
| Sample & container required | A sample from a formed stool collected in an OC-FIT autosampling collection bottle. OC-FIT autosampling collection bottle |
| Sample collection | Stool samples should be collected by the patient in the OC sensor sample tube as soon as possible after the stool has been passed, following the instructions provided with the sample container |
| Transport storage | Specimen can be transported at ambient temperature |
| Turnaround time | One week |
| Notes | Patient information sheets to help with sample collection are supplied. Please tell patients to add Name / DOB / NHS Number as well as sample date. |