Options for At-Home Fecal Occult Blood Test Kits
Fecal occult blood is a small, invisible amount of blood in stool. You can’t see this blood on toilet paper or the stool, so you can only detect it with specialized testing. There are three types of at-home fecal occult blood test kits.
Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
A fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is also known as an immunological fecal occult blood test (iFOBT). It uses antibodies to detect hemoglobin, a blood protein not found in normal stool. A positive result can indicate GI bleeding caused by colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, polyps, ulcers, and other conditions [3].
Food doesn’t affect the FIT test results, so you can use this kit at any time without restricting your diet beforehand [2]. The Diagnox FIT test gives instant results at home.
Guaiac-Based Fecal Occult Blood Test
A guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) kit uses a chemical reaction to look for blood in the stool. Users collect samples at home using a Hemoccult test kit or similar products. The results can be instantly read, or the test card may need to be sent to a medical laboratory for analysis [2].
The gFOBT test requires colon preparation for about a week. During this time, you will need to avoid certain foods or medications. For example, a gFOBT can detect blood from red meats in the stool, so you must avoid these foods for three days before your test. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Vitamin C can also interfere with the assessment [2].
DNA-Based Stool Test Kits
DNA-based stool test kits like Cologuard detect occult blood and cells with abnormal DNA mutations in the stool. These mutations can be a sign of colorectal cancer or polyp cells [2]. Users must get a prescription for Cologuard and mail their kit to a lab. DNA-based tests are significantly more expensive than FIT or gFOBT options.
Which Stool Test Kit Is Right for Me?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a stool test kit, including:
- Accuracy
- Cost
- Ease of use
- Type of analysis
- Turnaround time
A Diagnox FIT test could be the right choice if you want instant results and only need to check for hidden blood. If you want an in-depth laboratory analysis, such as specific abnormal DNA mutations, you may prefer a DNA-based test. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh your options.
Monitor Your Gastrointestinal Health With Stool Test Kits
At-home stool test kits let you collect samples from the privacy of your bathroom. Some options give instant results, while others must be sent to a laboratory for analysis. You can use these tests to check for occult blood, abnormal DNA, and other symptoms of GI conditions.
It’s important to note that at-home fecal exams should supplement routine screening methods, not replace them. Colonoscopies remain the gold standard for diagnosing GI disorders and should be performed every 10 years starting at age 45 [4]. Your healthcare provider may also recommend regular tests based on your health history and risk factors.
Monitor your GI health proactively with the Colonox FIT test.
