COLOGUARD PLUS® TEST: FAQS
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Type a question or scroll below to learn about the Cologuard Plus test, including who it’s for, how to use your kit, results, cost, and coverage.
About the Cologuard Plus® test
Yes, the Cologuard Plus test received its FDA approval on October 4, 2024. Cologuard products have been FDA-approved since August 2014, following a rigorous review process known as a Pre-Market Approval (PMA).
Based on a subset of 18,911 average risk patients aged 45-84 years from a prospective, multicenter study, the Cologuard Plus test offers¹:
• Accurate detection: finds 95% of colon cancers • Finds precancers: detects 43% of advanced precancerous growths and 74% of high-risk lesions • Peace of mind: a negative result means there's a 99.98% chance you don’t have colon cancer
• Accurate detection: finds 95% of colon cancers • Finds precancers: detects 43% of advanced precancerous growths and 74% of high-risk lesions • Peace of mind: a negative result means there's a 99.98% chance you don’t have colon cancer
- 1 Cologuard Plus Clinician Brochure. Madison, WI; Exact Sciences Corporation.
The Cologuard Plus test detects blood and DNA released from altered cells, and can detect colon cancer and precancer.
The Cologuard Plus test uses advanced stool technology to detect blood and DNA released from altered cells. It can detect both colon cancer and precancer.
In a study that included a subset of nearly 19,000 average-risk patients aged 45-86, the Cologuard Plus test detected 95% of Stage I to IV colon cancers. In a small subset of 20 adults aged 45-59, it detected 100% of all colon cancers.
Cologuard Plus® Clinician Brochure. Madison, WI: Exact Sciences Corporation.
Yes, the Cologuard Plus test can detect some precancerous polyps that grow on the wall of the colon and may develop into cancer.
Cologuard Plus® Clinician Brochure. Madison, WI: Exact Sciences Corporation.
The Cologuard Plus test is for adults 45 years of age and older who are at average risk for colon cancer. It is not a replacement for colonoscopy in high-risk individuals.
The American Cancer Society recommends that you begin screening for colon cancer at age 45 – no matter your race, ethnicity, or gender. If you receive a negative result, it's recommended that you screen again in 3 years.
American Cancer Society guideline for colorectal cancer screening. Updated May 27, 2026. Accessed June 1, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html
Yes, the Cologuard Plus test is available by prescription only. You can request one from your doctor or care provider, or online using our telehealth service.
The Cologuard Plus test is available in all U.S. states. If you have more specific questions, please call 1-844-870-8870.
If you received a Cologuard Plus box in the mail, it means your insurance or health care provider requested it on your behalf. Adults aged 45 and older at average risk for colon cancer are eligible for testing. If you have additional questions about this order, please contact Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870.
How to use the Cologuard Plus test
If you’re 45+ and at average risk for colon cancer, there are two easy ways to request the Cologuard Plus test: online or through your healthcare provider. Either way, we’ll deliver your prescribed kit right to your door.
Your kit comes with easy-to-follow, step-by-step sample-collection instructions. You can also download our patient guide or watch our how-to videos.
The Cologuard Plus test does not require prep. You can keep your diet and medications exactly as they are.
To ship back your sample, follow the simple instructions for repacking, labeling, and shipping (which we cover). Once our lab receives your sample, your test results will typically be available in 8 to 10 days.
Your test order expires one year from the date of the order. Because timely screening is important to your health, we suggest collecting your sample as soon as you receive your kit.
Also, check the Cologuard Plus box for the expiration date. If that date has passed, or you have other questions, call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. We can help you get a new kit at no additional cost.
It’s important that your sample is consistent, so loose stools are ok if that’s normal for you. However, if you are sick and have diarrhea, you should wait until you feel better to collect a sample. If you have any questions, call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870.
We’re here to answer any questions you may have. Just call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. If needed, we can ship you a new Cologuard Plus kit at no additional cost.
Call our Customer Care Center at 1-844-870-8870. We'll help you figure out if you need a new kit. If you do, we'll send you one at no additional cost.
Colon cancer screening facts
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, begins in the colon or rectum. Depending on where the tumor is, it’s also known as colon cancer or rectal cancer. It usually starts with the growth of polyps. Polyps are small, usually harmless growths in the colon. Left undetected, they can develop into cancer over time.
CDC. Colorectal Cancer Basics. Updated June 12, 2024. Accessed June 2, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/about/index.html
There are no obvious signs of early-stage colon cancer in many cases. This is why early detection is key. Major changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few days could be one of them. It can also include persistent diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools, rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or weakness.
CDC. Symptoms of colorectal cancer. Updated June 12, 2024. Accessed June 2, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/symptoms/index.html
Colon cancer is considered the most preventable, yet least prevented cancer.1 When caught in its early stages (1 & 2), it’s survivable in about 90% of people.2,*
- *Based on a 5-year survival.
- 1 Itzkowitz SH. Incremental advances in excremental cancer detection tests. JNCI. 2009;101(18)1225-1227.
- 2 ACS. Survival rates for colorectal cancer. Updated January 13, 2026. Accessed June 2, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html
The USPSTF recommends screening for colon cancer starting at 45 years old until 75. The decision to screen beyond that should be an individual one, taking into account your overall health and prior screening history.
US Preventive Services Task Force. Final Recommendation Statement Colorectal Cancer: Screening.
Updated May 18, 2021. Accessed June 2, 2026. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening
Understanding Cologuard Plus test results
Collect your stool sample in the privacy of your home and ship your kit back to our lab for testing. Look for the prepaid UPS® label included in the box, and ship your kit on the same day or the next at the latest. Your test result will be available within 8 to 10 days.
It typically takes 8 to 10 days from the date you ship back your Cologuard Plus kit to receive your results. We’ll send them to your health care provider, too, so you can discuss your results with them.
Log in to your account to access your results. They will typically be available within 8 to 10 days of our lab receiving your kit.
Within 8 to 10 days, you will get a positive or negative result. A negative result means the test did not detect signs associated with colon cancer or precancer in your stool. We send your results to your health care provider, so we recommend that you follow up with them.
A positive result means the test detected signs associated with colon cancer or precancer in your stool. This does not automatically mean you have colon cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting a colonoscopy and next steps.
A positive result means the test detected signs associated with colon cancer or precancer in your stool. This does not automatically mean you have colon cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting a colonoscopy and next steps.
Cost and coverage
Medicare, a growing number of Medicaid plans, and most major insurers cover the Cologuard Plus test. Most insured patients who are 45+ and at average risk pay $0.00.*
- *Rate of coverage varies by state and region. Coverage rate only applies to the Cologuard Plus test screening population. Exact Sciences estimate based on historical patient billing. Rate of coverage varies by state and region. A limited number of patients may receive the original Cologuard test from their insurer. Exceptions for coverage may apply; only your insurer can confirm how Cologuard would be covered.
Most insured patients who are 45+ and at average risk pay $0.00.* However, there are some instances where Cologuard Plus is only partially covered, or not at all. The rate of coverage varies by state, region, and your insurance plan. If you’re struggling to get your kit covered, give our Customer Care Center a call at 1-844-870-8870. We’ll help call your insurance provider to see if we can help.
- *Rate of coverage varies by state and region. Coverage rate only applies to the Cologuard test screening population.
As of 2023, Medicare and commercial plans cover the out-of-pocket cost for a colonoscopy following a positive Cologuard Plus test result. Exceptions for coverage may apply, so please confirm with your insurer. They are the best source of information on your plan and coverage.
You can request a Cologuard Plus test online through a telehealth provider. Exact Sciences partnered with Recuro Health to offer this service. To get started, you just need to answer a few questions.
We’ve partnered with Recuro Health to provide telehealth services. This allows you to request a Cologuard Plus test online.
Please discuss your colon cancer screening plan with your health care provider. If you choose not to screen for colon cancer with the Cologuard Plus test, you can simply recycle the kit's components. Neither you nor your insurance will be charged until a sample is received and processed. You may receive some reminders in the meantime. If you wish not to, please contact Exact Sciences Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870.