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<p>It is expected that the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) will be implemented during
2018/19 as the primary screen test for the bowel cancer screening programme.</p><p>
</p><p>The Department has asked NHS England to lead the implementation of FIT and
work through the practical steps to enable them to commission the new service from
National Health Service providers. This will include: the sensitivity threshold at
which FIT will be set; and consequent planning for colonoscopy and pathology workforce
capacity; the distribution of the test kits; laboratory set up; new information technology
links with the FIT analysing machines; staff training and public information. NHS
England will undertake this with expert advice, practical support, standard setting
and quality assurance from Public Health England.</p><p> </p><p>As these practical
steps are put into place, a more specific date in 2018 will be confirmed for the introduction
of FIT as the primary screen test for the bowel cancer screening programme.</p>
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