Bowel Cancer Screening Test Kit

[Bazile]

I took the top off the bottle , which you put the poo sample in

I didn't realise that there was some sort of liquid inside the bottle , and it spilled out

Does anyone know what the liquid inside the bottle is ?

[grumpy01]

This is obviously a different method to the "card system" that comes in the post and you return.

[Mamyalynne]

The liquid contains a preservative.

[THECORBYLOON]

From the NHS site,
"Collecting a stool sample

Your GP or another healthcare professional, such as a nurse, should explain how to collect the sample. It should be collected in a clean, dry screw-top container.

Your doctor or a member of staff at the hospital will give you a plastic (specimen) container to use, although you can use any clean container as long as you can seal it."

I'm no expert but reading that, the container should be dry.

[grumpy01]

Is this now the way it's done or this is a one off test from ones Doctor?

[Mamyalynne]

https://phescreening.blog.gov.uk/2017/08/04/new-home-test-kit-for-bowel-cancer-screening-what-gps-need-to-know/

[grumpy01]

Sorry,now read Corby's explanation.I was confusing this with the card you get through the post every 2 or 3 years which you have to take three different samples and send back through the post.

[grumpy01]

Thanks Mamya.Didn't know this was being rolled out and it provides a more in depth test doesn't it.

[Mamyalynne]

Yes it does, mine is on the shelf next to my loo as we speak - will do it tomorrow.

[Bazile]

Thanks mamy

Do you know if the preservative liquid is harmful if digested ?

This might seem like a strange question , but I was sitting around the dining room table , where there was food , examining the test kit , when the liquid spilled all over the table

[jno]

still every couple of years, by the look of it, but only the one sample required instead of three. I can't find what the liquid is but it's "a preservative buffer that prevents haemoglobin degradation". Which is good because nobody wants their haemoglobin degraded.

[THECORBYLOON]

It appears there are different methods for collecting samples and the information I found is for various symptoms.

The other method is called FIT and is for bowel cancer. Another site says,

"FIT uses a simple faecal collection device that is more hygienic and acceptable to patients for collecting their stool specimen. It only requires one sample rather than the three required for gFOBT. These features combine to promote greater uptake in screening programmes. In addition, the collection device incorporates a preservative buffer that prevents haemoglobin degradation to provide a more accurate result."

[Mamyalynne]

It won't be toxic as such Baz, obviously not meant to be drunk but I shouldn't worry about spilling some.

[BAKERS DOZEN]

Did mine just before Christmas and it was one of the new sort with a plastic wand that you dip into your sample and then place in the bottle before posting off. Just one sample needed and the bottle was dry inside. It did not contain any liquid. Result arrived about 10 days later.

[Mamyalynne]

I think Bazile is talking about the National Screening and not a symptom led test Corby - the FIT is what they now send out.

[Bazile]

So there is nothing to worry about even if some of it spilled into my drink which was on the table which I later drank ?

[Mamyalynne]

No, I'm sure there isn't.

Just been and checked and my bottle has liquid in too.

Please don't worry.

[Bazile]

Ok thanks mamy

The thought that I have ingested something harmful , which in itself is suppose to be part of the check for something harmful , (if you see what I
mean ) was worrying me

[THECORBYLOON]

Does it say who makes the testing kit?

[Mamyalynne]

Maybe the Helpline will know Corby.

More information
The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme operates a freephone helpline on 0800 707 60 60 for public and primary care enquiries.

[Mamyalynne]

http://www.eiken.co.jp/en/


Is on the bottle.