In the early stages of bowel cancer, it is common for patients to have no symptoms. However, the symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
– Ongoing changes in bowel movements (constipation, looser stools, having to go more or less often)
– Rectal bleeding or blood found in the stool
– Bowels not emptying completely after a bowel movement.
– Abdominal pain or swelling
– Unexplained Anemia
– Weight loss
It should be noted that many of these symptoms are often caused by other conditions, such as food intolerances or medicines.
Is this test different to the National Screening Test?
Yes. Our test is made by an Australian company. It was developed in 1997 and was approved by the FDA in 2001.
The test has been used by 30 million people worldwide and sales of the kit are now 6 million per year in the USA alone. It is the main kit used in Australia.
The National screening kit is made by a Japanese company.
We believe our kit is easier to use (Cole et al) and is at least if not more accurate than the Japanese kit (Shapiro et al)
How long do I have to return the test?
It is very important once the test is done it is sent back as soon as possible or the result may be wrong. The test must be returned within 3 to 4 days.
Is this test easy to do?
Yes. There is no faecal handling required. Two samples are taken by brushing the surface of the stool and the water around the stool.
Are there any dietary or medical restrictions?
How is the test processed?
Simply post the sample back to us in the free envelope provided
How do I get my results?
A result notification is forwarded to you and to your kiwi gastroenterologist who will contact you with a follow up recommendation.
What does a positive test mean?
This test detects human blood on or in your stool. There are many gastrointestinal conditions that may cause blood in your stool. If you receive a ‘positive’ test result, more testing and evaluation by a doctor is necessary. This additional testing and evaluation may include Colonoscopy tests that could help your doctor understand the cause of blood in your stool.
What does a negative test mean?
A ‘negative’ test result means that no blood was found in the samples and you do not need further investigation at this time. It is important to note that some bowel cancers do not bleed all the time. This means that the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) can sometimes miss a cancer. The Gastroenterological Society of Australia recommends that healthy adults aged 50 years and older screen every one to two years using a faecal immunochemical test (FIT).
This test is not a replacement for a regular physical examination by your doctor.
If you have any questions about your bowel health you should see your doctor.
What does the price of the test include?
- The test kit
- Return postage of your samples
- Pathology testing
- Two result notifications (you and you NZ Gastroenterologist)
- An annual renewal reminder service
How accurate is the test?
It is highly accurate with a sensitivity of 88% and an exceptional specifiity of 98%
When should I not do the test?
When you have symptoms of bowel cancer, Talk to your doctor
This test is NOT a replacement for a review by a medical practitioner.
Our online survey is designed to address this, click here to take the test.
I have completed my test incorrectly can I get another one?
Is this test clinically proven?
The performance of ColoVantage has been confirmed in mutiple clincial studies, more significant studies are highlighted below:
Insure ONE has similar sensitivity and specificity for detection of gastrointestinal disorders as InSure FIT.
Cole SR, et al., DDW Abstract 2009
Sensitivity for detecting advanced colorectal neoplasia was highest for InSure FIT (26.3%) followed by OC FITCHEK (15.1%) and Hemoccult II SENSA (7.4%) . InSure FIT had significantly higher sensitivity for advanced colorectal neoplasia than the other tests.
Shapiro, et al. Am J Gastroenterol advance
online publication, 10 October 2017; doi: 10.1038/
ajg.2017.285
InSure FIT had a significantly higher specificity than gFOBT (Hemoccult) in participants with H.pylori infection. Evidence supports a decision to offer InSure
FIT as an alternative to CRC screening in rural and remote populations.
Redwood, et al. Prev Chronic Dis. 2014 Apr
10;11:E56. doi: 10.5888/pcd11.130281.
Participation rates significantly improved by InSure FIT unique brush technology. In comparision to two gFOBT tests, InSure FIT demonstrated 66% increase in patient compliance. 74% of users preferred sampling water with a brush versus sampling water with a brush versus sampling stool directly.
Cole SR, et al. J Med Screen 2003;10:117-112
InSure FIT compared against gFOBT, demonstrated a higher sensitivity for cancer (88% vs 54%) and advanced adenomas (43% vs 23%)
Smith A, et al. Cancer, 2006; 107:2152-2159
InSure FIT offered as an alternative to colonoscopy screening, demonstrated a higher compliance and detection of additional pathology in patients with a past history of colonic neoplasia.
Bampton PA, et al. Gut. 20015 Jun; 54(6):803-6
InSure FIT offered annually for CRC screening in interval between colonoscopies leads to detection of neoplasias sooner that scheduled surveillance colonoscopy.
Demonstrates that Insure FIT can be used to detect missed or rapidly developing lesions.
Lane JM, et al. Gastroenterology 2010;139:1918-
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