FIT test - why do the instructions say this?

[DontPush]

Your GP has ordered this test for you, as part of the investigation of your symptoms, to rule out cancer. Tell your GP if you are due to travel or go on holiday.

The receptionist was unable to explain the travel bit. We are away for a few days (UK) later in the month.

Is it because blood in stool (in light of other symptoms) would require urgent further assessment or something to do with travel insurance?

Your GP has to fill out a form to go with the form, that states what dates you would be available if any further testing is required. The lab team and booking team will then avoid booking a colonoscopy /endoscopy on those dates if you were to require one! It is to try and make the whole system more streamlined and efficient. And also get people seen as soon as is possible without wasting valuable appointment times!!!

Thanks for replying so quickly, @redastra. That makes perfect sense so it’s a bit surprising the receptionists couldn’t tell me

I got one of these shortly after a blood test for something else, which really caused me to panic. Turns out there were no "symptoms". Another con trick.

Not sure what you mean by ‘con trick’, Bigger.

Symptoms were enough for the GP to do an exam and order blood tests. Blood tests warrant further blood tests and a FIT.

Hopefully nothing too bad but grateful the GP is taking it seriously.

The other thing is if they find polyps during a Colonoscopy they can’t remove them if you’re due to fly due to the risk of you bleeding, so they will try to schedule appointments so it’s not just before you fly.