All Tests

Colon Health Test

General Info

Tests for

Occult (hidden) blood in stool

Tests by

Fecal Sample, Immunochemical Test*

* Immunochemical assays use antigen-antibody reactions to determine the presence of a target analyte.

Restrictions

Do not use if experiencing:
– Menstrual Cycle
– Hemorroids
– Blood-like stool
– Tar-like stool

Written Instructions

Find this instruction sheet in your kit or here online.

Stool Collection Instructions

Instrucciones Para La Recolección De Heces

Tutorial Videos

Coming Soon

Clinical Significance

Occult blood is also known as hidden blood. Hidden blood in the feces or stool could be an early sign of colon cancer, colon polyps, hemorrhoids, ulcers or other causes of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. The Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool.

Warnings and Limitations

Must be 18 years or older to use this product. It is required that the kit is registered with your Simple HealthKit account and not that of anyone else. Your sample may not be processed or you may not receive a test result if you do not follow all the steps provided in the instructions. Patients with the following conditions should not be considered for testing, as these conditions may interfere with test results: bleeding hemorrhoids, menstrual bleeding, constipation bleeding, or urinary bleeding. However they may be tested after such bleeding ceases. Certain medications such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause gastrointestinal irritation and subsequent bleeding in some patients and cause positive results. Do not use any component other than what is provided in the collection kit. If the components are damaged or expired, do not use and contact Simple HealthKit support. Dispose of used kit contents in general household waste. Choking hazard – This collection kit contains small parts. Keep away from children.

FAQ

What is the importance of screening for colon health?

Colon Health test looks for hidden blood in the feces or stool. The presence of which could be an early sign of colon cancer, colon polyps, hemorrhoids, ulcers or other causes of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. The Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool.

What is colon cancer?

Colon or colorectal cancer is when abnormal cells grow in the colon or even in the rectum. Polyps, which are abnormal growth in the colon, can turn into cancer if not removed early enough.

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Screening is important because early detection can save lives. Screening can help find the cancer in the early stages, when treatment is more effective.

What is the recommended age to start screening for colon health?

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the recommended age for colon cancer screening is 45-75 years. However, if you are high risk, screening should begin earlier than 45 years old. Please talk to your doctor about when to start and how often to screen.

Individuals who are considered high risk are those with the following:

  • Personal or family history of colon cancer or colon polyps
  • Personal or family history of any other cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases (Ex: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
  • Genetic syndromes that are linked to colorectal cancer (Ex: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Lynch syndrome)
What colon health screening tests are available at Simple HealthKit?

Simple HealthKit currently offers a FIT screening. The Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) is one of the tests used for hidden blood in stool, which can be an early sign of cancer. This test is done once a year starting at the age of 45.

How is the FIT screening done?

This test uses a stool sample collected by the patient using the provided kit. The sample is then shipped to our laboratory for testing. You will then be notified of your result.

What happens if I get a positive FIT result?

It is recommended to follow-up with your primary care provider for further evaluation. Usually, people with a positive result are advised to have a colonoscopy done to confirm.

Are there any factors that can put me at risk for getting colon cancer?

There are two types of factors that can put you at risk for colon cancer: non-modifiable and modifiable factors.

Non-modifiable factors, or factors that cannot be changed, include:

  • Age
  • Family or personal history
  • Genetic conditions

Modifiable factors, or factors that can be changed, include:

  • Lack of physical activities

  • Being overweight

  • Smoking

  • Alcohol use

  • A diet high in red meats & processed meat

  • Low fiber diet, low fruits & vegetable intake

Source: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/screening/index.html#:~:text=Screening%20recommendations,colorectal%20cancer%20(Lynch%20syndrome).

For more FAQs, please visit help.simplehealthkit.com.

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