Who is this test recommended for?This test is recommended for individuals who want to screen for hidden blood in their stool, which could indicate potential issues like bowel cancer, polyps, or gastrointestinal ulcers.

It is particularly useful for adults over 50, who are at a higher risk of bowel conditions, or for those with a family history of colorectal cancer.

Additionally, individuals experiencing symptoms such as unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss may benefit from using this test as a preliminary screening tool.

Always consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation if results are positive or symptoms persist.

No, you do not need to send your sample to a lab.

This kit is designed for at-home use, providing results within minutes. After collecting a stool sample and following the instructions, you can interpret the results immediately without the need for laboratory analysis.

When used correctly, it offers a high level of accuracy, providing reliable results within minutes. However, no test is infallible. Factors such as improper sample collection, certain medications, or dietary influences can affect the outcome.

It's important to follow the test instructions carefully to ensure the most accurate results. If you receive a positive result or have concerns about your bowel health, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

This test detects the presence of faecal occult blood (FOB) in the stool. Occult blood is hidden blood that may not be visible to the naked eye but can indicate underlying health issues such as gastrointestinal ulcers, polyps, or bowel cancer.

By identifying traces of blood in the stool, this test serves as a valuable screening tool for early detection of potential bowel conditions, enabling timely medical intervention.

Yes — for the most accurate results, it's best to avoid certain foods for at least 48 hours before using the test. Some ingredients can interfere with the detection of hidden blood in the stool and may cause false positives or false negatives.

Try to avoid the following foods and supplements in the two days leading up to the test:

• Red meats (especially beef, lamb, liver)
• Vitamin C supplements (including chewables or fizzy drinks)
• Certain vegetables like broccoli, turnips, radishes, cauliflower, and raw leafy greens
• Citrus fruits and melon (especially in large amounts)
• Horseradish

Avoiding these helps ensure a more accurate result and reduces the chance of misleading outcomes. Always read the full instructions in your kit before testing.

If your test result is positive, it means that hidden (occult) blood was detected in your stool. While this doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious condition, it’s important to follow up with a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Your doctor may recommend additional tests, such as a colonoscopy, to determine the cause of the bleeding.

Possible causes range from minor issues like hemorrhoids to more serious conditions such as polyps or bowel cancer. Early consultation ensures timely diagnosis and treatment if needed.

No, this test cannot replace a colonoscopy. The Bowel Health Home FOB Test is a screening tool designed to detect hidden blood in the stool, which can indicate potential issues like polyps, ulcers, or bowel cancer.

A colonoscopy, on the other hand, is a diagnostic procedure that allows direct visual examination of the colon and can confirm or rule out specific conditions.

If your test result is positive, a colonoscopy or other diagnostic tests will likely be recommended by your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.

Yes, you can use this test if you have diarrhea, but it’s important to ensure the stool sample is collected properly to avoid contamination or inaccurate results.

Liquid stool can sometimes make it more difficult to handle the sample, so follow the instructions carefully to collect an adequate and clean specimen.

If your results are unclear or symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Regular screening for bowel health is important, especially for individuals over 50 or those with a family history of colorectal cancer. The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme offers screening every two years to people aged 50–74 years.

Using the Bowel Health Home FOB Test annually can be a proactive approach to monitor for hidden blood in the stool between these screenings.

However, if you experience symptoms such as unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or weight loss, it's advisable to use the test promptly and consult a healthcare professional regardless of your age or screening schedule.

Always follow your doctor's recommendations for screening frequency based on your personal health history and risk factors.

Yes, certain medications can affect the results of this test. For example:

1. Aspirin and NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): These can cause minor gastrointestinal bleeding, potentially leading to a false-positive result.

2. Iron supplements: In some cases, they can cause stool discoloration that might interfere with result interpretation.

3. Anticoagulants: Medications like warfarin may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, potentially affecting the test outcome.

If you are taking any of these medications, it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before testing to discuss how they might impact the results.

Several factors can cause a false-positive result in the Bowel Health Home FOB Test, including:

1. Hemorrhoids: Bleeding from hemorrhoids can mix with stool and mimic occult blood.

2. Menstruation: Blood from menstruation may contaminate the sample if not carefully collected.

3. Medications: Drugs like aspirin, NSAIDs, and anticoagulants can cause minor gastrointestinal bleeding.

4. Improper Sample Collection: Contamination from external blood sources or incorrect handling can lead to inaccurate results.

5. Recent Dental Procedures: Swallowed blood from bleeding gums or dental work could affect the outcome.

If you suspect a false-positive result, consider retesting or consulting a healthcare professional for further evaluation. Always follow the test instructions carefully to minimize inaccuracies.