qFIT Home Test
Advice Articles

Gut Instinct: Understanding and Preventing Bowel Cancer
3/3/2025
A simple, non-invasive test you can take at home and send away for results to find out if you have blood in your stool.
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.
The qFIT home testing process is designed to be straightforward, private and convenient:
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.
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:
It's important to remember that a positive qFIT test indicates the need for further investigation – it is not a cancer diagnosis.
What happens next depends on your test results:
Don't want to do the qFIT test first? You can opt to jump straight to a colonoscopy with a LivingCare Consultant Gastroenterologist.
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qFIT testing is particularly valuable for those with bowel symptoms, a family history of bowel cancer, or those aged 50+ as part of routine screening.
No, the test is straightforward, with clear instructions included in your kit.
While not 100% accurate (no screening test is), qFIT testing is an effective first-line screening tool that can detect most cases where blood is present in the stool.
This means there's blood in your stool, which requires further investigation – typically a colonoscopy. It does not definitively mean cancer is present.
For those without symptoms or particular risk factors, guidance typically suggests screening every two years for those over 50. However, your consultant can provide personalised advice.
We're always on hand, so get in touch and we'll get back to you straight away.
Speak to our teamYou can receive this treatment at any one of the locations below.
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You can receive this treatment from one of the consultants listed below.
Explore the various options available for this treatment.
With our self-pay service, there are no waiting lists - consultations are offered within 24 hours, with treatment within a week. All costs, including tests or scans, are quoted upfront with no obligation to proceed. Visit our Prices page for full details.
If using medical insurance, contact your provider to confirm coverage for all treatment stages before your first appointment. You’ll need a referral letter from your GP for a private procedure at The LivingCare Group. Once you have it, either you or your GP can book your first appointment with us.
3/3/2025