Awanui Labs has introduced a Bowel Cancer Screening FIT Test through BODYiQ, providing a new private bowel screening option in New Zealand for people who want to take a proactive approach to their bowel health. 
 
Designed for people without bowel symptoms, the test provides another option for people who are not currently eligible for New Zealand’s National Bowel Screening Programme, as well as those who choose to access bowel screening privately. 

A Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a bowel screening test that measures tiny traces of haemoglobin (blood) in a stool sample that cannot usually be seen. FIT is a screening test rather than a diagnostic test, and a positive result does not necessarily mean bowel cancer is present. 

“Giving people greater access to screening is important, but so is making sure there is appropriate support around the result. BODYiQ combines the convenience of screening from home with trusted laboratory testing and a clear pathway to clinical follow-up when it’s needed.”  

– Dr Richard Steele, Chief Medical Officer, Awanui Labs  

A key part of the service is what happens after the test. If a customer receives a positive result, BODYiQ’s virtual GP partner, Tend Health, will contact them within two business days to explain the result and discuss whether further investigation is recommended. 

Unlike FIT screening services that provide only a positive or negative result, BODYiQ provides customers with a quantitative result showing the level of haemoglobin detected in their sample. 

Customers order the test online, collect a small sample at home and return it by prepaid courier for analysis through Awanui’s IANZ-accredited laboratory network. Results are securely available through their BODYiQ account within five working days of the laboratory receiving the sample. 

BODYiQ is designed to complement primary care, not replace it. Anyone experiencing bowel symptoms or feeling unwell should seek advice from their healthcare provider rather than relying on a screening test. 

Learn more about private bowel screening with the BODYiQ Bowel Cancer Screening FIT Test. Home Bowel Screening FIT Test Kit | BODYiQ NZ