Introduction of Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test (qFIT) and the new NICaN Lower GI Suspected Cancer Pathway
Access to Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test (qFIT) is available for use via Primary Care. Test kits are now available to order.
Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) recommend that qFIT is carried out where possible on all patients with new lower GI symptoms as part of initial investigation in general practice from 5th July 2021. In conjunction with the availability of this exciting new test in primary care, NICaN has amended the Lower GI Suspected Cancer criteria/pathway.
Information has been developed to support GP practices with the implementation of qFIT and the amended red flag criteria/pathway available below.
GP information
- Letter to GP Practices : introduction of qFIT and amended NICaN Lower GI Suspect Cancer Pathway (25.06.21)
- Letter to GP Practices : FIT Update (06.08.2021)
- Letter to GP Practices: FIT Update (26.10.21)
- FAQs -Frequently Asked Questions on implementation of qFIT and amended NICaN Lower GI Suspect Cancer Pathway (updated 09.11.21)
- NICaN Lower GI Suspected Cancer Pathway
- Key differences in the use of FIT screening vs symptomatic (CRUK infographic developed in collaboration with CRUK, NICaN and PHA (Bowel Cancer Screening Programme)
Patient information
- FIT Patient instruction leaflet English
- FIT Patient instruction leaflet Arabic
- FIT Patient instruction leaflet Bulgarian
- FIT Patient instruction leaflet Complex Chinese
- FIT Patient instruction leaflet Simplified Chinese
- FIT Patient instruction leaflet Irish
- FIT Patient instruction leaflet Latvian
- FIT Patient instruction leaflet Lithuanian
- FIT Patient instruction leaflet Polish
- FIT Patient instruction leaflet Portuguese
- FIT Patient instruction leaflet Romanian
- FIT Patient instruction leaflet Russian
- FIT Patient instruction leaflet Slovak
- FIT Patient instruction leaflet Tetum
Information for staff providing kits to patients
Please ensure relevant details are completed on the Biochemistry Form.
- qFIT_Information for Treatment room staff 130721
- Information for staff on ordering FIT kits and leaflets (updated 11.11.21)
Educational webinars
To view a recording you will need a password. Please email nican.office@hscni.net
- Update on qFIT Primary Care – 9th Nov 2021 Recording
- Link to (GPNI) NICaN qFit for Primary Care a Pathway Fit for Purpose If password required please email nican.office@hscni.net or register to join GPNI mailing list
- Link to WEBINAR recording of Practice Nurses and Managers ‘Get qFIT ready for July Fifth’ | NICaN and GPNI.