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What is the ColonoscopyAssist Program About?

  • The ColonoscopyAssist program promotes colon cancer screening among the uninsured community
  • The following tests are provided at heavily discounted rates:
    1. Colonoscopy
    2. Upper Endoscopy
    3. Cologuard
    4. FIT
  • Financial assistance is provided to patients unable to afford the tests.
  • The program focuses on removing financial barriers to CRC screening.

 

 

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

 

Colon Cancer Screening Stool Test

While we have developed a strong colonoscopy program, we understand that a colonoscopy procedure is not right for everyone.

TO address this, ColonoscopyAssist provides a Fecal Occult Blood Test an alternate method of screening for colon cancer for a discounted rate of $25 for self-pay patients.
Over the years, the program has standardized on the iFOBT or FIT which is a newer superior version of the traditional guaiac based FOBT test.

Order FIT kit

 

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

 

What's the difference between FOBT and FIT?

Both tests essentially do the same thing and the terms are often used interchangeably. However, there are some minor differences which refer to the technology used :

FOBT - FOBT stands for Fecal Occult Blood Test. This refers to any test that detects Occult (hidden) Blood in the stool. Originally when the test was first developed, it was guaiac based. A superior immunochemical version of the FOBT later replaced the guaiac based tests and so today FOBT refers to the immunochemical version of the test which is the same as FIT or iFOBT.

FIT -  FIT stands for Fecal Immunochemical Test. This is just another term for the iFOBT.

 

What is a FIT test?

A Fecal Immunochemical Test is a highly accurate colorectal cancer screening stool test. It involves taking a stool sample at home and sending it back to a lab for processing.
The test is recommended as a colorectal screening by the American Cancer Society, CDC and US Preventitive Services Task Force.
This test is sometimes referred to as Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or an iFOBT.
» Learn More About The FIT stool test

 

Which brand FIT does the program use?

There are a number of brands of FIT tests in the market. The ColonoscopyAssist program uses the InsureOne brand of tests. This decision was not taken lightly, the program arrived at this conclusion after spending a considerable amount of time evaluating the common brands available on their accuracy (sensitivity and specificity), patient compliance, diet restrictions, ease of use and stability during shipment.

The insureONE is highly sensitive, needs samples from only one bowel movement, needs no diet restricitions and is stable for a mail in program.
» Learn More

 

How long does the FIT take to complete?

The total time commitment for this test is less than 5 minutes. ColonoscopyAssist will mail you a kit with a brush. Your will collect a small stool sample using the brush and return in the kit provided (pre-stamped envelope provided). The video below accurately describes what the test involves for the patient.

 

Is the FIT different than an FOBT?

FOBT or fecal occult blood test is the name of the general family of tests used for colon cancer screening. The most accurate version of this test is the FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test).
» Learn more about the difference between FIT and FOBT

Who should take this test?

Medical guidelines dictate that all persons over the age of 45 at average risk of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) should take this test once a year even if no symptoms exists.

 

To learn more about the test visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.






*Gut. 2005 Jun; 54(6): 803–806. Interval faecal occult blood testing in a colonoscopy based screening programme detects additional pathology/em>