Why are FIT tests so important?
Detection of occult blood in stools using FIT tests can identify gastrointestinal bleeding and help form health strategies for colorectal cancer screening. Blood in stools could be caused by tumours or polyps in the intestine, indicating the need for intervention. When occult blood is found in stool samples, it warrants the immediate follow up using confirmatory diagnostic techniques such as colonoscopy to determine whether the bleeding actually originates from a tumour or precursor, or other condition. In combination with colonoscopy, FIT tests have been shown to reduce the risk of death from colorectal cancer.
SmarTest FIT enables individuals to perform quantitative FIT tests at home, which delivers immediate, actionable results, and promotes Patient initiated follow up (PIFU) for faster intervention, without the need for utilising hospital or laboratory resources.
The SmarTest FIT Home test is a self-test for faecal haemoglobin that can be undertaken by individuals in their home or by healthcare professionals in a clinical setting. FIT testing at home may help overcome challenges associated with the cost and time of centralised testing, facilitating rapid turn-around and faster patient initiated follow-up.
Individuals can test their own faecal samples for the presence of haemoglobin at prescribed, regular intervals or as part of an annual health check, or when indicated in the instance of abdominal symptoms.
Preventis SmarTest FIT is a solution to enable individuals to apply a convenient and rapid test for self health promotion.
How does SmarTest FIT home test work?
SmarTest FIT® Home test system consists of an immunological rapid test (lateral flow test) and a free to use smartphone app. The rapid test specifically detects human blood (haemoglobin) in stool samples using gold-conjugated anti-haemoglobin antibodies. Simply prepare a stool sample using the sample collection tube provided in the pocket sized test kit and apply three drops to the lateral flow test. After 15 minutes the SmarTest app quantitatively evaluates the result of the rapid test based on the colour intensity of the control and test lines. The result is automatically displayed on the smartphone and saved.
What are the advantages of SmarTest FIT?
Preventis SmarTest® FIT Home detects and quantifies tiny amounts of blood in stool samples using innovative and reliable technology. There is no need to take a special diet prior to the test and the test can be used anywhere. Evaluation at home eliminates the need to transport stool samples to the practice or laboratory reducing the turnaround time for test results.
With each test result being available after just 15 minutes, individuals are able to take action on their health without delay. A positive result must lead to further medical clarification – either through referral for further investigation or management by a health professional. Blood in stools can also have other, sometimes less serious causes, such as inflammation or haemorrhoids, but it is important to follow up with a healthcare professional if any test result is positive, or where symptoms persist. If your test result with Preventis SmarTest® FIT Home is positive, consult a medical professional.
SmarTest® FIT Home app
- Free to download and use (Google play / Apple App Store)
- Fully animated and assistive instructions
- Automatic timing and scanning of test
Compatible devices list (updated 01/2024)
