qFIT bowel test in Chiswick

What the test measures

qFIT stands for quantitative faecal immunochemical test. It uses antibodies that recognise human haemoglobin, so it detects bleeding from the lower bowel specifically and is not affected by red meat or vegetables in the diet. Because it gives a number rather than a simple yes or no, clinicians can see how much blood is present.

Hidden blood in the stool can come from many conditions, including haemorrhoids, inflammation, polyps and, less often, bowel cancer. The qFIT is not a cancer test. NICE recommends it to help GPs decide who needs urgent referral for further tests, such as colonoscopy, when someone has bowel symptoms. You collect the sample at home with the kit provided and return it to us.

The price includes your sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have had a change in your bowel habit that has lasted several weeks.
• You have abdominal pain or bloating that has not settled.
• You have unexplained weight loss or tiredness alongside bowel symptoms.
• Your blood test has shown iron deficiency anaemia and your practitioner wants to look for a gut cause.
• You want to understand bowel symptoms and discuss next steps with a practitioner.

Understanding your result

Your report shows the amount of haemoglobin detected in micrograms per gram of stool with the cut-off the laboratory uses. A result below the threshold makes significant bowel disease less likely, though not impossible. A result at or above the threshold means further assessment is advised, and your practitioner will discuss referral through your GP.

A raised result does not mean you have cancer. Most people with a positive qFIT have a different cause, but further tests are still important. If you see blood in your stool, have black stools, or bowel symptoms that worry you, see your GP even if a qFIT is normal. The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme offers a separate home test to eligible people and you should continue to take part.

Preparing for your test

No fasting or dietary changes are needed. Collect a small amount of stool using the sampling stick in the kit, following the instructions, and return it promptly. Avoid sampling during a period or while you have bleeding haemorrhoids, as this can give a positive result, and let us know if you take blood thinners.

If you have iron deficiency, the tests on our iron blood tests page can be repeated to track recovery, and Calprotectin helps separate inflammatory bowel disease from irritable bowel syndrome. You can review every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a qFIT bowel test in Chiswick?

The qFIT bowel test costs £59 when your sample is returned to our Chiswick clinic. The price includes laboratory analysis, a practitioner review, and a GP feedback report on request.

Is qFIT a bowel cancer test?

No. It detects hidden blood, which has many possible causes. It helps decide who needs further investigation and is read alongside your symptoms.

Do I need to change my diet?

No. Unlike older stool tests, qFIT detects human haemoglobin only, so food and most medicines do not affect it.

How is this different from calprotectin?

qFIT looks for blood in the stool, while calprotectin measures inflammation in the bowel. Your practitioner may suggest one or both, depending on your symptoms.