Written FIT Instructions
FIT Instructions (Fecal Immunochemical Test)
1. Important collection information before you start:
Some conditions may cause an inaccurate result. Do not perform this test if:
- You have hemorrhoids that are bleeding.
- You have blood in your urine or see blood in your toilet bowl. If so, contact your doctor!
- It is three days before, three days after, or during your menstrual period.
- You have bleeding cuts or wounds on your hands.
- Your toilet bowl water is saltwater or rusty.
Note that although you don’t have to avoid any foods or medications, eating fruits and vegetables can increase test accuracy. If you have cleaners or bluing agents in your toilet bowl or tank, remove them and flush the toilet twice before beginning collection.
2. Let’s get organized.
The FIT Test collection items that can be found inside the purple envelope:
- Collection card
- Collection seal
- Specimen bag
- Mailing envelope
- Brush kit
- Brushes
- Waste bags
3. Collect your sample. Find the instructional video at the QR provided.
Prepare for sample collection
When you are about to have a bowel movement, take these instructions, Brush Kit, and collection card into the bathroom. Flush the toilet before your bowel movement. Have the Brush Kit opened so you can readily access the brushes and bags inside.
Place used toilet paper in waste bag
After your bowel movement, DO NOT PLACE USED TOILET PAPER IN THE TOILET BOWL. Instead, use one of the blue waste bags provided in the Brush Kit. DO NOT FLUSH the toilet after your bowel movement.
Collect water sample
Take the collection card and lift the flap marked “LIFT HERE FOR SAMPLES”. There should be two squares marked “1” and “2”. Take one of the blue brushes from the Brush Kit, and gently brush the surface of the stool for 5 seconds. If the stool is loose, stir the water around the stool. Remove the brush from the water and gently shake it to remove excess water and clumps of stool.
Dab water sample to collection card (WATER ONLY)
Transfer a sample of the WATER ONLY by gently dabbing the brush onto the white square labeled “1” on the collection card for 5 seconds. It’s ok if the square is slightly stained. Then, discard the used brush into one of the waste bags and throw it away.
Repeat sample collection
Using the second blue brush, repeat steps for water sample collection, and transfer a second WATER SAMPLE to the test card by dabbing the brush on the white square labeled “2” for 5 seconds. Discard the used brush into the other waste bag and throw it away.
Seal the collection card and pack it up
Peel off the sticker seal provided in the specimen bag and use it to reseal the flap on the collection card. Take the collection card and place it into the specimen bag provided. Congrats, you’re done!
5. Ship your sample.
Once you have completed collection, simply place the specimen bag with your sample collection card into the prepaid envelope provided and ship. The sample must be placed in the mail for return the same day as collection.