Assessing the Reliability of My FIT Stool Examination
I'm a 28-year-old female who has been struggling with gastrointestinal issues for the past year and a half. The symptoms I experience include nausea, bloating, abdominal cramps, occasional blood in my stool (which my general practitioner attributed to hemorrhoids), and some mucus present in my stool on a few occasions over the year. I've undergone numerous tests, including evaluations for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease. About a year ago, I completed a FIT stool test that returned negative results. My concern lies in the testing process; the small brush and tube provided made it challenging to gather an adequate sample. What is the accuracy of the results from my test? Would I have been advised to repeat the test if the sample I submitted was insufficient?
Answers (1)
8/19/2025, 9:01:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your concern about the reliability of the FIT stool examination, especially in light of your ongoing gastrointestinal issues, is completely understandable. Here's a breakdown of the situation and actionable steps you can take.
Main Points:
- FIT Test Reliability: The FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) is generally reliable for detecting hidden blood in stool, but sample collection can impact accuracy.
- Next Steps: Consider discussing your symptoms and concerns with your doctor, and monitor your gastrointestinal symptoms.
Explanation:
The FIT test is designed to detect blood in the stool, which can be an indicator of certain conditions, including colorectal cancer or polyps. A negative result usually means no hidden blood was detected, which is a positive sign. However, if the sample was inadequately collected, it is possible for the test to miss issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Given your symptoms (nausea, bloating, abdominal cramps, occasional blood, and mucus in stool), it is important to continue investigating their root cause, especially since you have experienced these for over a year and have had other tests already. The small brush and tube can indeed make it challenging to collect a sufficient sample, which might lead to false negative results. If there were concerns about the adequacy of your sample, ideally, your healthcare provider would have discussed the need to repeat the test or consider alternative testing methods.
Next Steps:
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Document Your Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting their frequency and severity. This can provide valuable information to your doctor.
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Follow-Up Appointment: Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your ongoing symptoms, the FIT test results, and your concerns about sample adequacy. It might be worth asking whether a repeat FIT test or different diagnostic tests could be beneficial.
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Consider Dietary Changes: Sometimes, symptoms can be managed or alleviated through dietary adjustments. Keeping a food diary can help identify any potential food sensitivities or triggers.
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Stay Informed: Research about gastrointestinal conditions and discuss any newly found information with your healthcare provider. This can help you advocate for more comprehensive testing if necessary.
It’s important to address your symptoms with your healthcare provider, as they can help pinpoint the right investigations and ensure you receive the care you need. You’re not alone in this, and taking these steps will assist in further understanding your condition.
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