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You should get the results of your FOB test in writing within two weeks of the test being received for analysis at the laboratory. Your GP will also get a letter with your results. Waiting for your results may be an anxious time for you and it may help to talk things over with a close friend or relative or a support organisation.
The possible FOB test results are described below.
About 98 out of 100 people (98%) will ultimately have a normal result. A small number of people will have repeated the test due to an unclear result the first time. If your result is normal, and you’re under 70, you will be invited to do an FOB test again in two years time. The letter will include information about the symptoms of bowel cancer, so that you know what to look out for.
Around two in 100 people (2%) will have an abnormal result. Sometimes, someone with an abnormal result will have repeated the test due to a previous unclear result. If your result is abnormal you will be sent a letter and an appointment to see a specialist nurse at your local screening centre. Your appointment should be for not more than a week after the letter has arrived. Your GP will also be told your results.
Having an abnormal result is not a diagnosis of cancer. The abnormal result may be caused by conditions other than cancer, such as piles (haemorrhoids), or a bleeding polyp. You will usually be advised to have an examination of your bowel (a colonoscopy), so that a diagnosis can be made.
Around four in 100 people (4%) may initially receive an unclear result. This means that there was a hint of blood in the sample, but not enough to give an abnormal result. An unclear result can be caused by conditions such as piles (haemorrhoids). Having an unclear result doesn’t mean that you have bowel cancer; it simply means that the FOB test needs to be repeated.
You will be asked to complete the FOB test up to two more times. If the results of further tests are still unclear, or abnormal, you will be given an appointment to see a specialist nurse to discuss having a colonoscopy. If the result of your repeat test is normal you will be sent a third kit just to confirm the result.
Sometimes there is a technical problem when your samples are tested in the laboratory. If this happens you will be sent a letter and another testing kit so that you can collect some more samples.
Sometimes the FOB kit can’t be tested in the laboratory because it hasn’t been used properly or has been damaged. If this happens you will be sent a letter and a replacement testing kit.
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