Colorectal Faster Diagnosis
Tests
What is a qFIT test?
The Faecal Immunochemical test (Qfit) checks for blood in your stool.
The main reason for a FIT test is to detect blood in the stool which can sometimes not be visible to the naked eye.
A positive qFIT test will tell us that you have bleeding occurring somewhere within your gastrointestinal tract. This blood loss could be due to a benign cause such as haemorrhoids, diverticulosis, inflammation, polyps, but a more sinister cause such as bowel cancer should be ruled out. It does not ‘prove’ that you have bowel cancer but that investigations are required.
Does this mean I have Cancer?
No, this does not mean that you have cancer but that the symptoms you are experiencing need investigating. Most patients referred through this appointment process have benign or normal investigations. This still means you should be investigated fully and that is why you need to attend your appointment within two weeks.
What test will I be having?
Following your consultation with the clinician you may be offered investigations such as below. The decision is made based on you as an individual and not all the investigations listed will be appropriate.
Colonoscopy
This is a thin camera that is passed through the back passage to visualise the large bowel. This allows for diagnosis, taking a biopsy (tissue sample) or removal of polyps if necessary. You will be required to take medication known as a bowel prep, which is a strong laxative, prior to the test to ensure that your bowels are empty. You will take this at home before you attend for your appointment or will be sent the medication through the post.
You will be offered medication (Sedation and pain relief) for the examination, and this should be discussed prior as you may need someone to drive you home and to stay with you for 24 hours post procedure. Some patients have gas and air (entonox) only, and you can drive yourself home afterwards if this is the case for you.
Please also read the leaflet which will arrive with your appointment letter “Having a lower endoscopic procedure (Colonoscopy).
Flexi-sigmoidoscopy
This is similar to the colonoscopy but only inspects the lower part of the colon.
You may only require an enema (medication inserted into your back passage) on arrival to the unit and not need the full bowel prep, but this will be discussed with you by the specialist. Some patients do not require sedation for the procedure and can have Entonox (Gas and Air) which is available. This again will be discussed with you by the specialist.
CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)
This is a scan that focuses on looking at the large colon and is carried out in the radiology department. It uses a CT scanner to create 3D pictures of your bowel rather than using a camera through your back passage. You will be given detailed information with regards to the test and what to expect from the radiology department. You may be asked to lie on your side during the test and some air will be put into the back passage using a small tube.
OGD (OesophagoGastroDuodenoscopy or gastroscopy)
This is a camera test that looks at your food pipe, stomach and first parts of your small intestine. It involves a thin telescope camera inserted through your mouth down your food pipe and into your stomach. This is to visualise the inside of these parts and allows for diagnosis, taking a biopsy (tissue sample) or removal of polyps if necessary.
You will have a spray at the back of your throat to numb it. You will be offered medication (Sedation and pain relief) for the examination, and this should be discussed prior as you may need someone to drive you home and to stay with you for 24 hours post procedure.
Please also read the leaflet which will arrive with your appointment letter “Having a upper endoscopic procedure (OGD).
CT Imaging
For some patients, a scan of the abdomen or chest is arranged, and this is also carried out in the radiology department.
