qFIT Home Test

What is the qFIT Test?

qFIT stands for Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test – a simple, non-invasive screening tool designed to detect tiny traces of blood in your stool that wouldn't be visible to the naked eye. This early detection method is crucial: bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK – it is more treatable and has higher cure rates when caught early.

The test identifies haemoglobin (a protein found in red blood cells) within your stool sample. While the presence of blood could potentially indicate bowel cancer, it might also be caused by other conditions or large polyps (abnormal tissue growths).

qFIT testing represents an important first step in bowel health screening, particularly for those with symptoms or in higher-risk categories. LivingCare offers a convenient home testing service with expert follow-up care from our specialist Gastroenterology team.

How the qFIT Home Test Works

The qFIT home testing process is designed to be straightforward, private and convenient:

1. Order your test kit: Your qFIT test kit is delivered directly to your door with clear instructions.
2. Collect a sample: A qFIT kit has all you need to collect a tiny stool sample in the comfort and privacy of your home.
3. Return your sample: Return your sample to our laboratory for analysis using the pre-paid packaging provided.
4. Receive your results: Your sample will be analysed by specialist technicians who quantify any blood detected in your stool.
5. Expert consultation: Regardless of whether your result is positive or negative, you'll receive a call from a Consultant Gastroenterologist to discuss your results and any next steps.

Your result is given as a numerical value showing how much haemoglobin was found per gram of stool. The higher this number, the more blood is present in your sample.

What to Expect When Taking a qFIT Test

Before:

• You'll get a test kit with full instructions.
• No special diet or medication changes are typically required before taking the test.
• Plan to collect your sample when you have the time and privacy to follow the instructions carefully.

During:

• The sample collection process is hygienic and designed to be as simple as possible.
• You'll need to collect a small stool sample using the provided equipment.
• The entire process takes just a few minutes.

After:

• Return sample using the pre-paid packaging.
• Results are typically available within a few days of your sample reaching the laboratory.
• A consultant gastroenterologist will contact you personally to discuss your results.

Risks and Considerations for qFIT Testing

The qFIT test itself carries no physical risks as it's non-invasive and requires only a stool sample. However, there are some important considerations:

• False positives: Some conditions, such as haemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, or even certain foods can cause blood in the stool without the presence of cancer.
• False negatives: Not all bowel cancers bleed consistently, so a negative result doesn't completely rule out cancer.
• Psychological impact: Receiving test results can cause anxiety, which is why we ensure all patients speak with a Consultant Gastroenterologist regardless of their result.

It's important to remember that a positive qFIT test indicates the need for further investigation – it is not a cancer diagnosis.

Follow-Up After Your qFIT Test

What happens next depends on your test results:

Negative Result:

• Even with a negative result, you'll receive a call from a Consultant Gastroenterologist to discuss your outcome.
• Your consultant may recommend further investigations if you have ongoing symptoms despite a negative test.
• Regular screening may be advised depending on your risk factors.

Positive Result:

• A positive result means blood is detected in your stool sample.
• Your Consultant Gastroenterologist will discuss the results with you and typically recommend a colonoscopy for further investigation.
• At LivingCare, we offer fast referral for colonoscopy procedures performed on-site by our expert Gastroenterologists.
• Our colonoscopy procedures are conducted to the highest quality standards, maximising the detection of pre-cancerous polyps and early bowel cancers.

Why Choose LivingCare for Your qFIT Test?

• Convenience: Easy-to-use test kits delivered directly to your door.
• Speed: Fast turnaround from ordering to results.
• Expert guidance: Personal consultation with a Consultant Gastroenterologist regardless of your result.
• Seamless pathway: If further investigation is needed, we offer rapid access to colonoscopy at our state-of-the-art facilities.
• Quality assurance: Our Consultant Gastroenterologists are experts in detecting polyps and early bowel cancers.
• Peace of mind: Professional support throughout your screening journey.

Don't want to do the qFIT test first? You can opt to jump straight to a colonoscopy with a LivingCare Consultant Gastroenterologist.

References

• NHS: Bowel Cancer Screening
• Cancer Research UK: Bowel Cancer Screening
• British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening