Bowel Cancer Screening Test in Jersey
What is bowel cancer screening?
Bowel screening tests, also called Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT tests), use a small sample of your stool (poo) to check for tiny traces of blood.
Blood in your stool can be a sign of problems in your bowel, such as polyps, ulcers, or inflammation caused by diverticulitis or Crohns disease.
It it also a common sign of bowel cancer, so it’s important to get checked out if you’re experiencing persistent blood in your poo.
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|
How do I do the test?
The test you receive will have full set of instructions, please read them carefully before using the kit.
Before you start:
-
Please check the container has a label on the outside and ensure you write your name and date of birth. You may also be asked to include the date the sample was collected. If this information is missing, the screening laboratory will reject the sample.
-
Place several layers of toilet paper in the toilet bowl to catch the stool, ensuring it does not come into contact with the water.
Collecting the sample:
-
Wash your hands and place the test kit on a clean surface
-
Take the lid off the test. The lid is attached to the stick that you will use to collect a small amount of poo
-
Collect your poo in the clean container or your covered hand. Don’t let your poo touch the water in the toilet
-
Scrape the stick along the poo until the grooves are full. Don’t add extra poo, only a small amount is needed
-
Put the lid back on the test and close it
-
Flush your poo down the toilet and dispose of any containers or bags that were used to collect your poo
-
Wash your hands thoroughly after finishing the test
After taking the test:
-
Place your test into the plastic bag provided and seal it closed
-
Place the plastic bag into the box
-
Place the request form into the same box
-
Seal the box closed with the provided sticker
-
Post your test back as soon as possible after collecting your sample using a standard Post Office letter box or taking the box to the Post Office