The Blood Sciences Laboratory at The Mid Yorkshire Teaching Trust is introducing a new Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) analyser at Pinderfields Hospital. Our FIT tests are processed by the laboratory at Pinderfields, so it is important that colleagues are aware of the new FIT sample collection kits and tubes will be introduced at the end of October.

The laboratory will begin processing samples collected using the new FIT tubes from 2 November 2026.

After 30 October 2026 samples submitted using the current FIT tubes will no longer be accepted.

New FIT sample collection kits and tubes will be distributed from Monday, 19th October.

Please make sure:

• All colleagues involved in ordering, issuing or processing FIT kits are aware of the change
• Are familiar with the new kits (see images attached)
• You manage existing stock levels to minimise waste
• Avoid issuing old FIT kits close to the end of October where there is a risk they will be returned after the cut-off date
• Return any unused stocks of old FIT kits to the laboratory for disposal.

During the transition period, you can choose to issue either:

• the current FIT kit only, where they are confident the patient will complete and return the sample before the cut-off date; or
• both the current and new FIT kits, where there may be a delay in sample collection or return. In these circumstances, patients should be advised to use the new kit if the sample is likely to be returned on or after 29 October 2026.

Please note that FIT catchers currently supplied with some kits will not be provided with the new packs. Updated patient instructions are included within the new kit.

This temporary approach has been adopted to minimise delays in obtaining results and reduce the risk of samples being rejected during the changeover period.