Compare - Colon Cancer Screening Test (LGC)

The Compare - Colon Cancer Screening Test (LGC) test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker.

Why pay $99 for Lets Get Checked's Colon Cancer Screening FIT test kit when you can experience the convenience and affordablity of a Colon Cancer Screening FIT lab test with Ulta Lab Tests - compare now and save!

Colon Cancer Screening (FIT) Lab Test

The Colon Cancer Screening (FIT) test is a laboratory test used to detect the presence of microscopic traces of blood in stool samples. This test is a non-invasive screening method for assessing gastrointestinal bleeding and is primarily employed for colorectal cancer screening and the early detection of other gastrointestinal disorders.

Also Known As: Fecal Immunochemical Test, Fecal Occult Blood Test, Stool Occult Blood Test, FIT, FOBT

Collection Method: Fecal specimen collected from toilet water and brushed onto InSure® FOBT test card

Specimen Type: Fecal Specimen

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why the Colon Cancer Screening Test May Be Ordered

Timing of the Test: The FIT is typically ordered as part of routine colorectal cancer screening. It is recommended for individuals of a certain age or with specific risk factors. FIT can be done at any time and does not require fasting or special dietary preparation.

Reasons for Ordering the Test:

  1. Colorectal Cancer Screening: The primary reason for ordering a FIT is to screen for colorectal cancer, particularly in individuals who are at average risk for the disease. Colorectal cancer often starts with small bleeding lesions in the colon or rectum, and the FIT can detect traces of blood in stool samples, which may be indicative of early-stage cancer.

  2. Polyp and Adenoma Detection: FIT can also help detect precancerous polyps and adenomas in the colon. Identifying and removing these growths can prevent them from progressing to cancer.

  3. Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Bleeding: In cases where a patient presents with unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding or symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or anemia, a FIT may be ordered to investigate potential causes.

  4. Monitoring for Gastrointestinal Disorders: FIT can be used to monitor individuals with known gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or diverticulosis, to check for signs of bleeding or disease activity.

What the Fecal Immunochemical Test Checks For

The Fecal Immunochemical Test specifically checks for the presence of human hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. It identifies microscopic amounts of blood in stool samples that may not be visible to the naked eye. The test distinguishes between human hemoglobin and hemoglobin from dietary sources, reducing the likelihood of false-positive results due to dietary factors like red meat consumption.

How Health Care Providers Use the Results

Healthcare providers use the results of the Fecal Immunochemical Test to:

  1. Screen for Colorectal Cancer: A negative FIT result is generally reassuring, suggesting no significant bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, routine colorectal cancer screening may be continued at recommended intervals.

  2. Prompt Further Evaluation: If a FIT result is positive, indicating the presence of blood in the stool, it does not necessarily mean cancer is present. However, it does warrant further evaluation. Patients with positive FIT results may be referred for colonoscopy or other diagnostic tests to investigate the source of bleeding, which may include polyps, adenomas, or other gastrointestinal conditions.

  3. Assess Disease Activity: In individuals with known gastrointestinal conditions, a positive FIT result may suggest disease activity, and healthcare providers can use this information to guide treatment decisions and management.

  4. Determine Follow-Up: Depending on the findings of further evaluation, healthcare providers can determine appropriate follow-up, whether it involves surveillance, treatment, or additional testing.

In summary, the Colon Cancer Screening test (FIT) is a non-invasive screening tool used for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders. Healthcare providers use FIT results to guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions, helping to ensure timely intervention when needed and potentially saving lives through early cancer detection and prevention.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Fecal Globin by Immunochemistry InSure, FOBT, InSure®, Occult Blood, Stool Blood, Stool Hemoglobin

Fecal Globin Result:

Screen for lower gastrointestinal bleeding associated with colorectal cancer, adenomas, polyps, and other lower gastrointestinal conditions
*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through Quest Diagnostics. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 Quest Diagnostics laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

Customer Reviews