Colorectal cancer screening FIT
Test Mnemonic
IFOBT
Primary CPT Codes
- 82274 - QTY (1), Immunoassay, Fecal Occult Blood
LOINC ®
29771-3
Aliases
- Colon Cancer Screen
- Fecal Immunochemical Test
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unspecified | Stool | Other | Ambient | The only acceptable specimen is stool inoculated into a Polymedco sample collection vial. Bulk stool (stool not contained in a Polymedco collection vial) will be rejected. Record date and time of collection on the test vial. Patients should be instructed to place the inoculated test vial into the preaddressed mailer along with a copy of the order and mail to microbiology. |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient | Inoculated collection vials are stable for up to 15 days |
| Refrigerated | Inoculated collection vials are stable up to 30 days at 4 degrees Centigrade |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
Days Performed
Mon - Fri
Turnaround Time
4 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Immunoassay (IA) |
Reference Range
Special Info
Acceptable specimens include formed or semiformed stool. No dietary or pharmaceutical restrictions are necessary. Other specimens (such as gastric aspirates and other body fluids) are unacceptable. Conditions which may interfere with test results include bleeding due to hemorrhoids, constipation, urinary or menstrual sources. Avoid contamination of the sample with toilet water. Stool must be inoculated into the collection vial prior to sending to the lab for testing. Bulk stool will not be accepted due to the instability of blood in bulk stool. To inoculate the collection vial, remove the GREEN cap from the vial and scrape the fecal sample with the attached sample probe. Cover the grooved portion of the sample probe completely with stool. Return the green cap to the sample vial, tighten cap and mix well. Place a barcoded label onto the outside of the sample vial. The label needs to be placed so that the barcode is visible on the flat side of the sample vial. The label needs to be centered and aligned as straight as possible. DO NOT COVER THE FOIL EDGE OR GREEN CAP OF THE TUBE. Submit to microbiology for testing.
Clinical Info
For asymptomatic colorectal cancer screening in average-risk patients. This test is designed to detect occult lower gastrointestinal bleeding associated with colorectal neoplasia. It is not intended for evaluation of overt gastrointestinal bleeding, melena, hematochezia, iron deficiency anemia, symptomatic patients, or suspected acute GI hemorrhage. Patients with symptoms or suspected GI bleeding should undergo appropriate clinical evaluation.