FIT (faecal immunochemical test) detects more bowel cancer the lower the reporting threshold is set, which is why we report from 4 micrograms per gram rather than the NHS threshold of 80. The trade off is that a lower threshold means more people are referred for a colonoscopy that finds nothing significant. FIT is less reliable at detecting advanced polyps than at detecting cancer, and it only detects blood, so a growth that is not bleeding on the day you take your sample can be missed. This is why a single test is worth far less than testing every year.

A negative result at our reporting threshold rules out bowel cancer with a negative predictive value above 99%, which is among the most reliable reassurance available in primary care. It is less definitive about polyps, which do not always bleed, and it describes the day you took your sample rather than the years ahead. This is why annual testing is what reduces bowel cancer deaths, rather than any single clear result. If you have symptoms, a clear result does not rule out a cause for them and you still need to be seen.

No. This is a screening test for people who feel well. If you have bleeding, a persistent change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or a lump, you need to be assessed by a doctor rather than post off a sample. A normal result could delay a diagnosis. Book a GP consultation with us or contact your NHS GP.

We contact you and arrange a GP consultation at no charge. Your doctor will go through your value, your family history and any symptoms, and explain the likely causes. Most raised results are not cancer, and are more often due to something like haemorrhoids, a small tear or inflammation. If further investigation is appropriate we can arrange a private colonoscopy, or support your referral into the NHS pathway.

Tell us when you order, because it changes what we recommend. One close relative diagnosed under 50, or two at any age, puts you at moderately increased risk, where national guidance recommends colonoscopy surveillance rather than stool testing alone. A stronger family history warrants genetic testing and specialist referral. A Discovery Call is the right place to work this out.

Very little. There is no preparation, nothing to change about what you eat, and no appointment. You collect a small sample using the tube in the kit, which takes under a minute, and post it back in the prepaid packaging provided. The kit goes to any UK address and everything you need is in the box.

The laboratory reports within 72 hours of receiving your sample. Allow time for your kit to reach you and for return postage, so from ordering to result is usually around a week. If your result is raised we will call you rather than wait for you to read it.