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immunochemical fecal occult blood test

(IH-myoo-noh-KEH-mih-kul FEE-kul uh-KULT...)
A test that checks for occult (hidden) blood in the stool. A small sample of stool is placed in a special collection tube or on a special card for testing. The test uses an antibody that binds to a blood protein called hemoglobin to detect any blood. Blood in the stool may be a sign of colorectal cancer or other problems, such as polyps, ulcers, or hemorrhoids. Also called fecal immunochemical test, FIT, iFOBT, immunoassay fecal occult blood test, and immunologic fecal occult blood test.
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Fecal immunochemical test (FIT); drawing shows a FIT kit, which includes the package insert, the collection paper, and a collection tube with a small brush inside of it. Also shown are the biohazard bag, the return envelope, and a paper with information about colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer screening.Enlarge this image in new window
A fecal immunochemical test (FIT) checks for occult (hidden) blood in the stool. A small sample of stool is placed in a special collection tube or on special cards and returned to a doctor or laboratory for testing.
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