Fecal sample processing and analysis comprising detection of blood

A method of processing a freshly-collected fecal sample without freezing, the method comprising:

• a) collecting a fecal sample from a human subject, wherein the fecal sample is collected at home by the human subject by defecation directly into a sealable collection vessel;
• b) removing a portion of the fecal sample to a separate sealable container to produce a removed portion and a remaining portion of the fecal sample;
• c) combining the removed portion of the fecal sample in the separate sealable container with a buffer that prevents denaturation or degradation of blood proteins found in a fecal sample, and sealing the sealable container;
• and
• d) combining the remaining portion of the fecal sample in the sealable collection vessel with a stabilizing buffer, and sealing the sealable collection vessel.