Top tips for collecting your qFit sample

A qFIT Bowel Cancer Screening Test helps you proactively monitor your bowel cancer risk from the comfort of your home.

But if you’re a bit nervous about taking your qFIT sample, we’ve got you covered. While it’s completely understandable to feel a bit uncomfortable, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and with the right preparation the process is usually pretty straightforward.

Collecting your sample properly means the lab can analyse your results efficiently and reduces the risk of delays or need for a repeat. You can learn more about what a qFIT actually does in our blog – but this guide is packed with practical tips so you can collect your sample with confidence.

1. Get everything ready
 

First things first, before you actually need the toilet, it’s a good idea to take some time to familiarise yourself with the process.

Take a moment to:

• Read through the instructions in your qFIT kit once before you begin
• Lay out everything you need so it’s within easy reach
• Decide what you will use to “catch” your sample (more on that below)
• Fill out any forms or labels that need completing

2. Choose the right time
 

You can take collect your qFIT stool sample at any time of day.

Things like stress, dehydration, and fatigue can make it more difficult to collect the sample – the important thing is to find a time where you won’t be rushed.

3. Prepare your toilet
 

One of the most important (and trickiest) parts of collecting your sample is not to let it touch toilet water or urine. “How on earth am I meant to do that?”, I hear you cry. It’s time to get creative.

Here’s a few tips:

1. Try to pee before you do your sample – this avoids accidental cross-contamination and means you can deal with one bodily substance at a time.
    
2. Use a clean container to catch your stool – The NHS recommends that you use a clean container – the idea is you hold it in the toilet under your bum while you produce your specimen [1].
   
   Suitable containers include:
   - old plastic takeaway containers (finally they can be put to good use!)
   - paper plates
   - paper or plastic cups
   
   Line your container with toilet paper for simple stool disposable once you’ve collected what you need.
    
3. Wrap your toilet – loop toilet paper over and under the toilet seat to catch your stool. Take your sample, then flush it all down.
   If you’re prone to particularly heavy stools, some people find it helpful to put some layers of clingfilm over the toilet bowl first, and then line that with toilet paper. This avoids accidental drops into the toilet water – just remember to remove the clingfilm once you’re finished!
    
4. Choose an alternative location – some people choose to move away from the toilet entirely. Give yourself more space by lining the bath, shower, or bathroom floor with toilet paper, newspaper, or puppy training pads, and simply squatting over it. The benefit of this method is the squat position helps get your bowels moving and may make it easier to defecate, you have a bit more space, and there is no risk of your stool touching the toilet water.

4. Collecting your sample: less is more
 

Once you’ve got your stool, it’s time to collect the sample – and you may be surprised by how little you need. Open your sample bottle and gently scrape the stick along your stool until all the groves are covered. Then pop the stick back in the bottle and close the lid tightly.

5. Tidy up, and get to the post box
 

Now you’ve collected your sample, all that’s left it to clean up and properly package it, ready for postage.

When cleaning up remember to:

• Wash your hands
• Dispose of leftover stool in the toilet
• Only flush toilet paper down the toilet
• Put any contaminated containers or paper in the bin
• Disinfect any floors, baths, or showers

Before you seal your sample in the prepaid envelope make sure:

• You have properly labelled your sample
• The lid is tightly closed

qFIT FAQs

Can you refrigerate a stool sample overnight?

If you collect your sample in the evening and can’t post it straight away, it’s usually ok to store overnight in the fridge. Make sure it’s properly sealed and away from food.

What is the best time of day to collect my qfit sample?

Collect your sample at a time that suits you, when you can be relaxed and alone. You can also keep everything near the toilet so you can use it when you normally have a bowel movement.

Can I collect my qfit sample if I have my period?

It’s best to wait until your period has finished before collecting your qFIT sample.

References

1. Bowel Cancer Screening, NHS UK, Accessed 18 Jun 2026.
2. Bowel Cancer, Macmillan Cancer Support, Accessed 18 Jun 2026.
3. About Bowel Cancer Screening, Bowel Cancer UK, Accessed 17 Jun 2026.
4. Bowel Cancer, Cancer Research UK, Accessed 18 Jul 2026.