TABLE OF CONTENTS


Introduction

This article explains how to use the Ardens Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) resources to support the assessment, investigation, safety-netting, and follow-up of patients presenting with lower gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms for whom FIT testing may be appropriate. By the end of this article, you will understand how to access and use the available templates, reports, and dashboards to support the FIT pathway within clinical practice.


Background

Faecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) supports the assessment of patients presenting with lower gastrointestinal symptoms where colorectal cancer may need to be considered.


FIT testing is recommended within national guidance to support referral decision-making, alongside clinical judgement, patient symptoms and appropriate safety netting.


How Ardens Can Help

Ardens provides a range of resources to support practices throughout the FIT pathway, including:
  •  Recording symptoms and clinical indications 
  •  Requesting FIT 
  •  Reviewing outstanding or returned results 
  •  Supporting clinical decision-making and referral pathways 
  •  Recording safety netting and follow-up activity 
  •  Accessing patient and professional guidance resources 


Resources available include:
  •  FIT consultation template 
  •  NG12 Cancer Symptoms and Findings Analyser integration 
  •  Clinical reports for identification and follow-up 
  •  Cancer dashboards within Ardens Manager


How to Access our Resources

Template

  • Press F12 on your keyboard
  • Open the Gastroenterology template launcher (access this support article for instructions on using the Template Launchers)
  • Select Faecal immunochemical testing
  • Alternatively, open a consultation and select Run Template and search for the Faecal Immunochemical Testing



Reports

  • Go to Population Reporting
  • Expand the Ardens Searches folder
  • Select 4.14 Conditions - Cancer



Test & Results

The Ardens "Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)" template supports clinicians throughout the FIT testing pathway, including:
  • Recording symptoms and indications 
  • Requesting FIT  
  • Reviewing outstanding results 
  • Recording returned results 
  • Documenting safety netting and follow-up 
  • Accessing patient and professional guidance resources 


The template contains the following sections:
  •  Test 
  •  Result not back 
  •  Result back 
  •  Resources 


Test

The Test tab is used when requesting a FIT test for a patient presenting with lower gastrointestinal symptoms where FIT testing may be appropriate.


This section supports clinicians in:
  • Recording relevant symptoms and indications 
  • Documenting FIT kit provision 
  • Requesting FIT tests electronically 
  • Recording safety netting discussions 
  • Documenting where FIT testing is not indicated 


Clinical prompts and alerts are displayed throughout the template to support clinical decision-making and to escalate when appropriate.


Within the Test page:

  • Select the relevant indication(s) based on the patient’s symptoms and presentation 
  • Record whether a FIT kit has been provided 
  • Document any patient advice, safety netting or written information given 
  • Record where urgent review or escalation may be required 
  • The template uses colour-coded sections to support clinical decision-making and help guide the appropriate next steps based on the patient’s symptoms and cancer risk indicators



Result not back

The Result not back tab supports practices in managing patients where a FIT result has not yet been returned.


This section supports:
  • Reminder and follow-up activity 
  • Documenting failed contact attempts 
  • Recording repeat FIT kit provision 
  • Arranging additional review where symptoms persist 
  • Supporting safety netting processes


Use this section to document follow-up activity for patients with outstanding FIT results. Options include:
  • Reminder given 
  • Unable to contact the patient 
  • Sample error/repeat kit required 
  • Urgent suspected cancer referral where ongoing concerns exist



Result back

The Result back tab is used once a FIT result has been received from the laboratory.


This section supports clinicians in:
  • Recording FIT results 
  • Reviewing results alongside symptoms and clinical concerns 
  • Documenting follow-up plans 
  • Recording referrals and safety netting 
  • Supporting ongoing clinical review 


The latest qFIT result can be recorded at the top of the template if it has not already been received electronically from the laboratory.


The template then presents the appropriate management options based on the result and clinical context:

  • FIT <10 µg/g with no ongoing unexplained symptoms or cancer concerns
  • FIT <10 µg/g with ongoing unexplained symptoms or cancer concerns
  • FIT ≥10 µg/g


For each pathway, clinicians can record:

  • follow-up arrangements 
  •  clinical reassessment 
  •  cancer safety-netting 
  •  urgent suspected cancer referrals where appropriate


The colour-coded sections provide clinical decision support and help ensure that appropriate actions are documented based on both the FIT result and the patient's ongoing symptoms.


At the bottom of the page, practices can optionally create a recall using the Ardens Diary Recall System.


This can be used where a repeat FIT test or further follow-up is required, helping ensure patients are reviewed at the appropriate interval.



Resources

The Resources tab provides quick access to patient-facing and professional guidance relating to FIT testing and lower GI cancer pathways.


This section supports consistent patient information sharing and provides access to national guidance resources.


The Resources tab includes:
  • Patient information leaflets 
  •  FIT guidance websites 
  • Patient videos 
  • Professional guidance resources 
  • NICE and BSG guidance links 
  • Local guidance links where configured 


Resources can be used during consultations or shared directly with patients where appropriate.



Monitor

For Ardens Manager subscribers, the Cancer dashboard provides a clear visual overview of all cancer activity.
  • Login to Ardens Manager
  • Go to Services on the left-hand pane
  • Click on Conditions
  • Click on Cancer

 

FIT - Pilot

For organisations participating in the Fit Pilot led by University College Hospital (UCLH), reports are available to help identify outstanding work and track activity. 



To record activity, clinicians are encouraged to use the Ardens "Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)" template. 


Additional Support 

To further your understanding of the Ardens resources and how to make the most of Ardens product: