How It Is Done
There are different types of home tests. The companies that make the test kits provide instructions. To get accurate results, carefully follow the instructions in your kit.
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
The test kit contains the things you need to collect small samples of stool. For some types of FIT, you may need to collect a stool sample on 2 or more days.
The FIT test doesn't require a special diet in the days before you take the test.
When the test is done, follow the instructions to return the test. Some tests provide the results right away. If your test shows that blood was found, call your doctor as soon as possible.
Guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)
The test kit contains the things you'll need, such as test cards or a special test pad. You may need to collect stool samples over three different bowel movements on three different days. Be sure to follow any instructions about foods or medicines to avoid in the days before the test.
Your instructions may say to:
- Put tiny samples of stool onto paper cards. The cards are either sent to a lab or you will test them at home using a solution from your test kit. A color change means that there is blood in the stool.
- Place a special test pad in the toilet after having a bowel movement. The pad will change color if the stool has blood in it.
If there is blood in your stool, call your doctor as soon as possible.
Combined FIT and stool DNA test (FIT-DNA)
The test kit has a container for you to collect an entire stool sample to send to the lab.
The kit includes instructions that show how to collect a stool sample. You may also be asked to take a small sample from the stool that you collected and seal it into a small plastic tube. The kit contains a bottle of liquid preservative that you will pour into the container to cover the stool before sealing the lid. Follow the instructions for sending the kit to the lab.