After you send your poo sample for testing, a scientist in a lab checks it for traces of blood that are too small to see.
When you get your results
The waiting time to get your BowelScreen home test results is 4 weeks.
We send the test results to:
- you by post
- your GP if you added their details to the BowelScreen register
You cannot see your test result on the online BowelScreen register.
If you do not get your test results within 4 weeks contact us.
What your BowelScreen home test results mean
Your BowelScreen home test results will be either:
- normal
- not normal
If you have any questions about your results you can contact us.
Normal
Most people get a normal BowelScreen home test result.
This means there was either no blood in your poo sample or it was below a certain level.
But cancers or polyps (growths that can turn into bowel cancer) do not bleed all the time.
You still need to:
- do the BowelScreen home test every 2 years
- check for signs and symptoms of bowel cancer
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if:
- you have any symptoms of bowel cancer
Do not wait for your next screening test.
Not normal
Only 3 in 100 people get a not normal BowelScreen home test result. This result means that the amount of blood in your poo sample is above a certain level.
Blood in your poo does not necessarily mean you have bowel cancer.
To find out what is causing this we will organise a test called a colonoscopy for you. A colonoscopy is free through BowelScreen.
What to expect if you need a colonoscopy after bowel screening