Bowel Cancer Test Kit (FOB) Colon Testing Kit
This home faecal occult blood (FOB) test screens for blood in a stool sample that is not visible to the eye. Hidden blood can come from a number of sources including polyps, haemorrhoids, inflammation or bowel cancer, which is why a positive result is a prompt for further investigation rather than an answer in itself. Bowel cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when found early, and screening is how it is usually found before symptoms appear. The kit contains everything needed to collect and test a sample at home, with the result readable in about five minutes.
Intended use
For adults screening for hidden blood in stool, either alongside or between NHS bowel screening programme invitations.
This is a screening test intended to support, not replace, professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor about your results.
What’s in the box
Everything you need is included — nothing else to buy.
- 1×Test cassette, individually foil-sealed
- 1×Sample collection tube with applicator
- 1×Disposable gloves
- 1×Step-by-step instructions
What your result will mean
Worth knowing before you test, not after.
Blood has been detected. This does not mean you have bowel cancer — haemorrhoids, polyps and inflammation are all common causes. Take the result to your GP, who can arrange further investigation.
No blood was detected in this sample. Bleeding can be intermittent, so a single negative does not rule out a problem. If you have symptoms such as a change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss or persistent abdominal pain, see a GP regardless of this result.
If no line appears at C, the test has not run correctly and should not be interpreted. Contact us for a replacement.
Questions people ask
Does a positive result mean I have bowel cancer?
No. Hidden blood has many causes, including haemorrhoids, polyps and inflammation. It means it is worth getting checked, not that cancer is present.
What if the result is positive?
A positive screening result is not a diagnosis — it means further testing is worthwhile. Take the result to a GP, who will arrange a confirmatory laboratory test. Many people who get a positive screening result turn out not to have the condition, because screening tests are deliberately set to catch possible cases rather than to be certain. Finding out early almost always gives you more options, not fewer.
Should I use this if I already get NHS bowel screening?
The NHS programme invites people from age 50 or 60 depending on where you live. Some people use a home test between invitations, or before they become eligible. It is not a replacement for the NHS programme.
I'm nervous about testing at all. Is that normal?
Yes, and it's the most common reason people put testing off. It can help to know that a test only tells you something that is already true — it doesn't change your situation, it just gives you the chance to act on it. You can also test with someone you trust nearby, and you don't have to read the result alone.
Does the finger-prick hurt?
Most people describe it as a brief sharp scratch, similar to a diabetes blood glucose check. The lancet is spring-loaded so the depth is fixed and controlled. Warming your hands first and using the side of your fingertip rather than the pad usually makes it easier.
Do I need to change my diet before testing?
Check the instructions in the pack. Some faecal occult blood tests ask you to avoid red meat and certain foods beforehand, as these can affect the result.
How much blood do I actually need?
Usually a single drop — around one to two drops depending on the test. The kit includes a pipette to transfer it, so you don't need to be precise by eye.
What if I make a mistake doing the test?
The most common issue is not getting enough sample, which usually shows up as an invalid result with no control line. If that happens the test hasn't run correctly and the result shouldn't be interpreted — you'll need to order another test to get a valid result. Following the instructions in the pack carefully is the best way to avoid this.
Will the packaging show what I've ordered?
No. Everything is dispatched in plain outer packaging with nothing on the label indicating the contents. Your card statement shows only "Seradiag" and an order number, and our emails never name the tests you've bought.
Are these the same tests a clinic would use?
They are CE marked in-vitro diagnostic tests from established manufacturers, in many cases the same devices used in professional settings. The difference is usually the packaging and the instructions, which are written for self-testing rather than clinical use.
How accurate are the tests?
Accuracy figures are published on each product page, taken directly from the manufacturer's instructions for use. No rapid test is perfect: results can be affected by how and when the test is taken, and by individual biological factors. That is why every result — particularly an unexpected one — should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Can I return a test if I change my mind?
Yes, if the seal is unbroken — within 14 days. Once a kit has been opened it can't be returned for hygiene reasons, which is a legal exception for sealed health products. Faulty, damaged or expired kits are always refunded, opened or not.
How quickly will it arrive?
Delivery options and timescales are shown at checkout. Orders placed before 2pm on a working day are dispatched the same day. If you need a result quickly, choose a faster delivery option at checkout.
Do I need to send anything to a laboratory?
No. These are self-contained rapid tests that you read yourself at home, usually within 5 to 15 minutes. Nothing is posted anywhere, and we never see or store your results.
Who are Seradiag?
Seradiag Ltd is a UK company (registered number 14428934) supplying CE marked diagnostic tests. If you have a question before ordering, email us — we would rather help you choose the right test than sell you the wrong one.