• The at-home fecal immunochemical test (FIT), also referred to as an immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT), detects occult (hidden) blood in the stool, which could be due to hemorrhoids, inflammation, non-cancerous growths, cancers, or other causes of bleeding.

• Cologuard and FIT are two types of stool tests that can detect colorectal cancer by looking for blood or altered DNA in the stool.
• FIT is performed yearly, and Cologuard is performed every one to three year.
• FIT is less expensive than Cologuard
• FIT uses antibodies to detect hemoglobin protein specifically, while Cologuard detects hemoglobin along with certain DNA biomarkers.
• Cologuard combines the FIT test with an additional test that detects genetic mutations found in cancer cells.
• Cologuard is more sensitive than FIT, and the only FIT-type test able to detect nonbleeding polyps.
• Dietary restrictions are typically not required for FIT

Medicare and Medicaid are not eligible for this service at this time

Colon cancer screening with FIT kit is available for average-risk adults, ages 45-75.

If you have any of the following, FIT is NOT right for you and colonoscopy is the recommended screening.

• Personal or family history of polyps or colon cancer
• Hemorrhoids (with inflammation or bleeding)
• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• Visible blood in the stool or on toilet paper
• A previously positive FIT
• Anyone who has had a normal colonoscopy in the last five years does not need to take the FIT.

Average Risk: Adults 45 or older without prior colorectal cancer or polyps AND without any of the factors that define high-risk​

High Risk:

• Personal history of removed pre-cancerous colorectal polyps​
• Personal history of colorectal cancer​​
• Family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps in a first degree relative diagnosed before age 60​​
• Multiple first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps​​
• Family history of inherited colorectal cancer syndrome​​
• Previous diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease​

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.
• The lifetime risk of developing CRC is 1 in 20.
• CRC is the 3rd most prevalent type of cancer.
• More than 130,000 new cases of CRC will be diagnosed this year.
• Almost 50,000 people will die from CRC this year.
• Less than 40% of CRC cases are detected at an early stage.
• If detected at an early stage, 90% of all CRC deaths are preventable.

Colorectal cancer (CRC), although one of the deadliest forms of cancer, can be cured if caught early. Early treatment dramatically increases the chance of survival. The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening method is the standard of care worldwide in detecting CRC, is less invasive and more convenient, especially during the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic.

• A few minutes to fill out the intake form
• Medical insurance information

PREPARATION

• No preparation needed (i.e. no diet changes, bowel prep kits, or stopping medications)

STEPS

1. Place supplied collection paper inside of the toilet bowl, on top of water underneath the seat.
2. Collect bowel movement onto the collection paper.
3. Unscrew lid of collection bottle. Using probe, scrape and collect stool sample making sure to cover the grooved portion completely.
4. After inserting the probe into the tube, snap the green cap tightly.  Do not reopen.
5. Return the sample to the laboratory in the envelope provided.

See Instructional Video

• If you meet the criteria for an on-demand test kit, a pharmacist will review and process your request.

You can view your results in the Intermountain Health patient portal. Click the button below to learn more about the patient portal and download the app. 

• Login using your existing username and password. If you don’t have an existing patient portal account, you can create one.
• View Test Results by selecting “Test results” from your Dashboard.
• Positive Results:  Please note, all positive FIT tests require a follow-up colonoscopy to complete colon cancer screening. Please schedule as soon as possible, if the results to your FIT screening said positive.