Negative FIT with ongoing symptoms: your next steps
Short patient information to print or keep.
What the result tells you
FIT checks for tiny traces of blood in poo. A negative result lowers the likelihood of bowel cancer, but some cancers and precancerous polyps do not release enough blood to be detected. It does not identify the cause of ongoing symptoms.
Arrange a review
See your GP if symptoms persist, return or worsen. If they have already lasted six weeks or longer, book now. Do not wait another six weeks after the result. Seek advice sooner for visible blood, unexplained weight loss, increasing pain or a continuing change in bowel habit.
Bring useful information
Bring the FIT report, your medicine list and any previous endoscopy reports. Note when symptoms began and any pain, bleeding or bowel changes. Tell your GP about low iron or anaemia. Blood tests and other investigations depend on your symptoms. Speak to your GP before removing gluten if coeliac testing is being considered.
Keep recommended investigations
A negative FIT does not replace a recommended colonoscopy. Colonoscopy can examine the lining, remove many polyps and take biopsies. Confirm the next step and review timeframe at your appointment. Contact the referring team if a referral is overdue.
Get urgent help
Seek urgent assessment for heavy bleeding, black tarry stools, severe pain, persistent vomiting or faintness. Call 111 if you collapse, have heavy bleeding with faintness or cannot travel safely.
When to get urgent help
Seek urgent medical assessment for heavy or ongoing bleeding, black tarry stools, severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or feeling faint or very unwell. Do not use a negative FIT to delay help.
Call 111 for an ambulance if you collapse, have heavy bleeding with faintness, or are too unwell to travel safely. Do not wait for a routine appointment or an email reply.
General information. Follow your own care instructions.