• Cologuard and FIT are two types of stool tests that can detect colorectal cancer by looking for blood or altered DNA in the stool.
• FIT is performed yearly, and Cologuard is performed every one to three year.
• FIT is less expensive than Cologuard
• FIT uses antibodies to detect proteins from the red blood cells specifically. Cologuard detects the proteins along with certain DNA biomarkers.
• Cologuard combines the FIT test with an additional test that detects genetic mutations found in cancer cells.
• Cologuard is more sensitive than FIT, and is the only FIT-type test able to detect nonbleeding polyps.
• Dietary restrictions are typically not required for FIT

Medicaid members from states other than Utah are not eligible for this service at this time.

Colon cancer screening with FIT kit is available for average-risk adults, ages 45-75.

If you have any of the following, FIT is NOT right for you and colonoscopy is the recommended screening.

• Personal or family history of polyps or colon cancer
• Hemorrhoids (with inflammation or bleeding)
• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• Visible blood in the stool, toilet paper, or underwear
• A previously positive FIT
• Anyone who has had a normal colonoscopy in the last five years does not need to take the FIT.

More about risk levels:

Average Risk: Adults 45 or older without prior colorectal cancer or polyps AND without any of the factors that define high-risk

High Risk:

• Personal history of removed pre-cancerous colorectal polyps
• Personal history of colorectal cancer
• Family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps in a first degree relative diagnosed before age 60. Examples of a first-degree relative include your father, mother, brother, sister, or children.
• Multiple first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps
• Family history of inherited colorectal cancer syndrome
• Previous diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.
• The lifetime risk of developing CRC is 1 in 20.
• CRC is the 3rd most common type of cancer.
• More than 130,000 new cases of CRC will be diagnosed this year.
• Almost 50,000 people will die from CRC this year.
• Less than 40% of CRC cases are detected at an early stage.
• If detected at an early stage, 90% of all CRC deaths are preventable.

Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, but it can be cured if caught early. Early treatment dramatically increases the chance of survival. The FIT screening method is the standard of care worldwide for detecting CRC. It is less invasive and more convenient.

• A few minutes to fill out the intake form
• Medical insurance information

PREPARATION

No preparation needed (for example: no diet changes, bowel prep kits, or stopping medications)

STEPS

1. Place the supplied collection paper inside the toilet bowl, on top of the water underneath the seat.
2. Collect the bowel movement (poop) onto the collection paper.
3. Unscrew the lid of the collection bottle. Using the probe, scrape and collect the stool sample, making sure to cover the grooved portion completely.
4. After inserting the probe into the tube, snap the green cap tightly. Do not reopen.
5. Return the sample to the laboratory in the envelope provided.

See Instructional Video

If you meet the criteria for an on-demand test kit, a pharmacist will review and process your request.

You can view your results in the Intermountain Health patient portal. Click the button below to learn more about the patient portal and download the app. 

• Login using your existing username and password. If you don’t have an existing patient portal account, you can create one.
• View Test Results by selecting “Test results” from your Dashboard.
• Positive Results:  Please note, all positive FIT tests require a follow-up colonoscopy to complete colon cancer screening. Please schedule as soon as possible, if the results to your FIT screening said positive.

Your kit does have an expiration date. Collect your sample as soon as possible because timely screening is important to your health. We recommended sending back your completed kit within 90 days.

Also, check the packaging of your FIT kit for its expiration date. If the date has passed, call 800-825-3547. We can help you get a replacement FIT kit at no additional cost within one year of your original order date.