COLOGUARD® RESULTS

Understanding Your Cologuard® Test Results

Cologuard looks for both DNA and blood in your stool and can detect both precancer and cancer. After you return your test kit, you will receive either a negative or positive result within 2 weeks.1


A positive result is not the same as a cancer diagnosis so please talk to your healthcare or telehealth provider for next steps.†


If you’ve already returned your kit, you can log in to your account to quickly track your order, view your result, and learn more.

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† False negatives can occur. When you discuss your result with a healthcare provider, ask when you should screen again. 
What Does a Negative Cologuard Result Mean?
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If you received a negative result:
  • Cologuard did not detect altered DNA and/or blood in your stool 
  • You're unlikely to have colon cancer

False negatives can occur. When you discuss your result with a healthcare provider, ask when you should screen again. 

What Does a Positive Cologuard Result Mean?
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If you received a positive result:
  • Cologuard detected altered DNA and/or blood in your stool 
  • This could be due to precancerous growths, colon cancer, or some other reason
  • It’s important to know that a positive result is not the same as a cancer diagnosis
  • If your Cologuard test is positive and you are not experiencing symptoms, a colonoscopy is recommended to rule out cancer; many patients with early‐stage colon cancer have no symptoms and are diagnosed through screening2

False positives can occur. When you discuss your result with a healthcare provider, you will need to plan a colonoscopy to confirm your result. 

Next Steps

Regardless of a negative or positive result, be sure to discuss next steps with your telehealth or healthcare provider.

After a negative result:

Talk to your healthcare provider about the right screening schedule for you. Even after a negative result, it's important to keep up with regular screening. The American Cancer Society recommends that patients get screened for colorectal cancer again three years after a negative Cologuard result.1

After a positive result:

Follow up with your healthcare provider. Schedule a colonoscopy to see what this positive result means for you. As of 2023, Medicare and commercial plans cover a colonoscopy following a positive Cologuard result. Exceptions for coverage may apply; please confirm with your insurer. They are the best source of info on your plan and coverage.

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If you receive a positive result, Medicare and commercial plans will cover a follow-up colonoscopy.*

*Exceptions for coverage may apply; please confirm with your insurer. They are the best source of info on your plan and coverage.

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