Bowel screening is for people who may not have warning signs but want to take a proactive step. The test checks for traces of blood in your stool (poo), which can be a sign that further investigation is needed.

Early screening can help identify when follow-up may be needed, even before obvious symptoms appear.

This home testing kit may suit you if:

• You want to check your bowel health
• You don't currently have any bowel symptoms
• You're not yet eligible for the free national screening programme (free screening is only available for people aged 58-74)
• You have a family-history concern and want to understand your screening options
• You prefer to complete a screening test privately at home

Speak to your GP first if:

• You have blood in your stool (poo)
• You have a persistent change in bowel habits
• You have unexplained weight loss
• You have ongoing abdominal pain
• You have a strong family history of bowel cancer
• Your bowel symptoms are already being investigated
• You have had a colonoscopy within the last 5 years
• You have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease that is currently active.

Your DIY bowel screening kit includes everything you need to hygienically collect and return your sample to the lab. The kit costs $144.90 and includes:

Step 1: Order your kit

Place your order online (requires credit card). Your kit is couriered to your chosen address in discreet packaging, and arrives within 5 working days.

Step 2: Collect your sample

Follow the instructions to collect a small stool sample using the supplied sample container.

Step 3: Return it to the lab

Place in the specimen bag, complete the lab form, and use the prepaid courier bag to return to the lab (you can book a return courier at no extra cost).

Step 4: Receive your result

Once the lab receives your sample, your result is usually emailed within 5 working days.

The lab tests your sample for the presence of blood. NOTE: this is a screening test, not a diagnosis.

If your result is negative

A negative result means blood was not detected in your sample. This can be reassuring, but no screening test can rule out bowel cancer completely. If symptoms appear, speak to your GP.

If your result is positive

A positive result does not mean you have bowel cancer. It means blood was detected in your sample and further investigation may be recommended.

Small amounts of blood are commonly caused by polyps (growths), or other minor conditions like haemorrhoids (piles). These conditions can be easily treated.

If your result is positive, you should contact your GP to discuss the result and any recommended follow-up tests or procedures, which may include a colonoscopy.

Complete it privately

Collect your sample at home, in your own time.

Clear instructions included

The kit includes detailed instructions so you know exactly what to do.

Hygienic and straightforward

The sample collection process is designed to be quick, hygienic and simple.

No GP appointment needed to complete the sample

The kit is delivered to your door and returned by courier.

Clear next steps

Your result is emailed to you, with guidance on what to do next.

To help make sure your result is as accurate as possible, follow the instructions included in your kit.

Key reminders

• Write your full name, date of birth and the date of collection on the sample container.
• Ensure you include your completed lab form in the courier bag
• Women: don't collect the sample whilst on your period, as this can cause a false positive.
• Keep the sample indoors in a cool, dry place until courier collection.
• If the courier can't collect your sample straight away, the sample can last up to two weeks when stored correctly.

If bowel cancer has been on your mind, a DIY kit gives you a private and practical way to act.

Order your kit, do the sample at home and receive clear guidance on what your results mean and what to do next. It's simple, quick, and hygienic.

$144.90 inc GST. Delivered to your door.