BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuCologuardCologuard; Colon cancer screening - Cologuard; Stool DNA test - Cologuard; FIT-DNA stool test; Colon precancer screening - CologuardCologuard is a screening test for colon and rectal cancer.Colon and rectal cancerColorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is also sometimes simply called colon ca...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The colon sheds cells from its lining every day. These cells pass with the stool through the colon. Colon cancer cells may have DNA changes in certain genes. Cologuard detects the altered DNA. The presence of abnormal cells or blood in the stool may indicate cancer or precancer tumors.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers How the Test is Performed The Cologuard testing kit for colon and rectal cancer must be ordered by your health care provider. It will be sent by mail to your address. You collect the sample at home and send it back to the lab for testing.The Cologuard testing kit will contain a sample container, a tube, preserving liquid, labels, and instructions on how to collect the sample. When you are ready to have a bowel movement, use the Cologuard testing kit to collect your stool sample.Read the instructions that come with the testing kit carefully. Wait until you are ready to have a bowel movement. Collect the sample only when it is possible to ship it within 24 hours. The sample must reach the lab in 72 hours (3 days).Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersDo not collect the sample if:You have diarrhea. DiarrheaDiarrhea is when you pass loose or watery stool.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You are menstruating. You have rectal bleeding due to hemorrhoids. HemorrhoidsHemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower part of the rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Follow these steps to collect the sample:Read all instructions that come with the kit. Use the brackets provided with the testing kit to fix the sample container on your toilet seat. Use the toilet as usual for your bowel movement. Try not to let urine get into the sample container. Do not put toilet paper into the sample container. Once your bowel movement is over, remove the sample container from the brackets and keep it on a flat surface. Follow instructions to collect a little sample in the tube provided with the testing kit. Pour the preserving liquid in the sample container and close the lid tightly. Label the tubes and the sample container according to the instructions, and place them in the box. Store the box at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Ship the box within 24 hours to the lab using the label provided. The results of the test will be sent to your provider in two weeks. How to Prepare for the Test The Cologuard test does not require any preparation. You do not need to change your diet or medicines before the test. How the Test will Feel The test requires you to have a normal bowel movement. It will not feel any different from your regular bowel movements. You can collect the sample at your home privately. Why the Test is Performed The test is done to screen for colon and rectal cancer and abnormal growths (polyps) in the colon or rectum.Screen for colon and rectal cancerColon cancer screening can detect polyps and early cancers in the large intestine. This type of screening can find problems that can be treated befo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Your provider may suggest Cologuard testing once every 1 to 3 years starting at age 45 years. The test is recommended if you are age 45 to 75 years and have an average risk of colon cancer. This means that you do not have:Personal history of colon polyps and colon cancer Family history of colon cancer Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis)Crohn diseaseCrohn disease is a disease where parts of the digestive tract become inflamed. It most often involves the lower end of the small intestine and the be...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Normal Results The normal result (negative result) will indicate that:The test did not detect blood cells or altered DNA in your stool. You do not need further testing for colon cancer if you have an average risk of colon or rectal cancer. What Abnormal Results Mean Abnormal result (positive result) suggests that there may be some pre-cancer or cancer cells in your stool sample. However, the Cologuard test does not diagnose cancer. You will need further tests to make a diagnosis of cancer. Your provider will likely suggest a colonoscopy.ColonoscopyA colonoscopy is an exam that views the inside of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, using a tool called a colonoscope. The colonoscope has a sm...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Risks There is no risk involved in taking the sample for Cologuard test.Screening tests carry a small risk of:False-positives (your test results are abnormal, but you do not have colon cancer or pre-malignant polyps). Almost 40% of people with a positive Cologuard test will have a normal colonoscopy. False-negatives (your test is normal, even when you have colon cancer) Considerations It is unclear yet whether the use of Cologuard will lead to better outcomes compared with other methods used to screen for colon and rectal cancer.Open ReferencesReferencesBresalier RS. Colorectal cancer. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 127.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Colorectal cancer. Reducing risk for colorectal cancer. www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/prevention/. Updated June 12, 2024. Accessed May 15, 2025.Chu E. Neoplasms of the small and large intestine. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 179.Eckmann JD, Ebner DW, Bering J, et al, eds. Multitarget stool DNA screening in clinical practice: high positive predictive value for colorectal neoplasia regardless of exposure to previous colonoscopy. Am J Gastroenterol. 2020;115(4):608-615. PMID: 32068535. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32068535/.National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines): colorectal cancer screening. Version 1.2025 – May 30, 2025. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/colorectal_screening.pdf. Updated May 30, 2025. Accessed June 16, 2025.Patel SG, May FP, Anderson JC, et al. Updates on age to start and stop colorectal cancer screening: recommendations from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastrointest Endosc. 2022;95(1):1-15. PMID: 34794803 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34794803/.Qaseem A, Harrod CS, Crandall CJ, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer in asymptomatic average-risk adults: a guidance statement from the American College of Physicians (Version 2). Ann Intern Med. 2023;176(8):1092-1100. PMID: 37523709 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37523709/.US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. PMID: 34003218 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34003218/.AllVideoImagesTogLarge intestine (colon) - illustration The large intestine is the portion of the digestive system most responsible for absorption of water from the indigestible residue of food. The ileocecal valve of the ileum (small intestine) passes material into the large intestine at the cecum. Material passes through the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid portions of the colon, and finally into the rectum. From the rectum, the waste is expelled from the body.Large intestine (colon)illustrationLarge intestine (colon) - illustration The large intestine is the portion of the digestive system most responsible for absorption of water from the indigestible residue of food. The ileocecal valve of the ileum (small intestine) passes material into the large intestine at the cecum. Material passes through the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid portions of the colon, and finally into the rectum. From the rectum, the waste is expelled from the body.Large intestine (colon)illustration Tests for Cologuard CologuardRelated Information Review Date: 4/21/2025 Reviewed By: Todd Eisner, MD, Private practice specializing in Gastroenterology in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida at Gastroenterology Consultants of Boca Raton. Affiliate Assistant Professor, Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
CologuardCologuard; Colon cancer screening - Cologuard; Stool DNA test - Cologuard; FIT-DNA stool test; Colon precancer screening - CologuardCologuard is a screening test for colon and rectal cancer.Colon and rectal cancerColorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is also sometimes simply called colon ca...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The colon sheds cells from its lining every day. These cells pass with the stool through the colon. Colon cancer cells may have DNA changes in certain genes. Cologuard detects the altered DNA. The presence of abnormal cells or blood in the stool may indicate cancer or precancer tumors.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers How the Test is Performed The Cologuard testing kit for colon and rectal cancer must be ordered by your health care provider. It will be sent by mail to your address. You collect the sample at home and send it back to the lab for testing.The Cologuard testing kit will contain a sample container, a tube, preserving liquid, labels, and instructions on how to collect the sample. When you are ready to have a bowel movement, use the Cologuard testing kit to collect your stool sample.Read the instructions that come with the testing kit carefully. Wait until you are ready to have a bowel movement. Collect the sample only when it is possible to ship it within 24 hours. The sample must reach the lab in 72 hours (3 days).Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersDo not collect the sample if:You have diarrhea. DiarrheaDiarrhea is when you pass loose or watery stool.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You are menstruating. You have rectal bleeding due to hemorrhoids. HemorrhoidsHemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower part of the rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Follow these steps to collect the sample:Read all instructions that come with the kit. Use the brackets provided with the testing kit to fix the sample container on your toilet seat. Use the toilet as usual for your bowel movement. Try not to let urine get into the sample container. Do not put toilet paper into the sample container. Once your bowel movement is over, remove the sample container from the brackets and keep it on a flat surface. Follow instructions to collect a little sample in the tube provided with the testing kit. Pour the preserving liquid in the sample container and close the lid tightly. Label the tubes and the sample container according to the instructions, and place them in the box. Store the box at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Ship the box within 24 hours to the lab using the label provided. The results of the test will be sent to your provider in two weeks. How to Prepare for the Test The Cologuard test does not require any preparation. You do not need to change your diet or medicines before the test. How the Test will Feel The test requires you to have a normal bowel movement. It will not feel any different from your regular bowel movements. You can collect the sample at your home privately. Why the Test is Performed The test is done to screen for colon and rectal cancer and abnormal growths (polyps) in the colon or rectum.Screen for colon and rectal cancerColon cancer screening can detect polyps and early cancers in the large intestine. This type of screening can find problems that can be treated befo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Your provider may suggest Cologuard testing once every 1 to 3 years starting at age 45 years. The test is recommended if you are age 45 to 75 years and have an average risk of colon cancer. This means that you do not have:Personal history of colon polyps and colon cancer Family history of colon cancer Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis)Crohn diseaseCrohn disease is a disease where parts of the digestive tract become inflamed. It most often involves the lower end of the small intestine and the be...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Normal Results The normal result (negative result) will indicate that:The test did not detect blood cells or altered DNA in your stool. You do not need further testing for colon cancer if you have an average risk of colon or rectal cancer. What Abnormal Results Mean Abnormal result (positive result) suggests that there may be some pre-cancer or cancer cells in your stool sample. However, the Cologuard test does not diagnose cancer. You will need further tests to make a diagnosis of cancer. Your provider will likely suggest a colonoscopy.ColonoscopyA colonoscopy is an exam that views the inside of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, using a tool called a colonoscope. The colonoscope has a sm...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Risks There is no risk involved in taking the sample for Cologuard test.Screening tests carry a small risk of:False-positives (your test results are abnormal, but you do not have colon cancer or pre-malignant polyps). Almost 40% of people with a positive Cologuard test will have a normal colonoscopy. False-negatives (your test is normal, even when you have colon cancer) Considerations It is unclear yet whether the use of Cologuard will lead to better outcomes compared with other methods used to screen for colon and rectal cancer.Open ReferencesReferencesBresalier RS. Colorectal cancer. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 127.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Colorectal cancer. Reducing risk for colorectal cancer. www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/prevention/. Updated June 12, 2024. Accessed May 15, 2025.Chu E. Neoplasms of the small and large intestine. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 179.Eckmann JD, Ebner DW, Bering J, et al, eds. Multitarget stool DNA screening in clinical practice: high positive predictive value for colorectal neoplasia regardless of exposure to previous colonoscopy. Am J Gastroenterol. 2020;115(4):608-615. PMID: 32068535. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32068535/.National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines): colorectal cancer screening. Version 1.2025 – May 30, 2025. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/colorectal_screening.pdf. Updated May 30, 2025. Accessed June 16, 2025.Patel SG, May FP, Anderson JC, et al. Updates on age to start and stop colorectal cancer screening: recommendations from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastrointest Endosc. 2022;95(1):1-15. PMID: 34794803 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34794803/.Qaseem A, Harrod CS, Crandall CJ, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer in asymptomatic average-risk adults: a guidance statement from the American College of Physicians (Version 2). Ann Intern Med. 2023;176(8):1092-1100. PMID: 37523709 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37523709/.US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. PMID: 34003218 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34003218/.
