• 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.

Select Health promotes FIT testing once per calendar year. Screening should include all eligible adults (see exclusions below), ages 45 to 75.

Exclusions:  Adults eligible for FIT testing must NOT have ANY of the following:

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

• 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
• Prescription insurance information

• The cost of the service is a $39 consultation fee plus the cost of the medication after any insurance coverage.

• Intermountain Home Delivery Pharmacy offers free delivery of test kits ordered through the Intermountain or Select Health websites.

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

• FIT tests are covered by many insurance plans. Check with your insurance if you are unsure of your coverage for this benefit. You will be responsible for any copay after the insurance is billed. Select Health covers the cost of this test.

• 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.