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UNDERSTANDING YOUR COLOGUARD PLUS® TEST RESULTS

What a negative or positive result could mean

The Cologuard Plus test looks for abnormal DNA and blood in your stool, which can be signs of both colon cancer and precancer. After you ship your kit back to our lab, you’ll receive either a negative or positive result.1


In a clinical study of nearly 19,000 average-risk patients aged 45-86, the Cologuard Plus test detected 95% of Stage I to IV colon cancers1 — a level of sensitivity similar to a colonoscopy, as seen in separate studies.2* And in a small subset of 20 adults aged 45-59, the Cologuard Plus test detected 100% of all colon cancers.1


It’s important to know that a positive Cologuard Plus test result is not a cancer diagnosis. Lean on your healthcare provider for your next steps, or reach out to us for support through our telehealth service.

What does a negative Cologuard Plus result mean?

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If you receive a negative result:
  • The Cologuard Plus test did not detect signs of colon cancer or precancer in your stool.
  • You’re unlikely to have colon cancer

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

What does a positive Cologuard Plus result mean?

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If you receive a positive result:
  • The Cologuard Plus test detected signs associated with colon cancer or precancer in your stool.
  • A positive result is not a cancer diagnosis, but it represents a higher chance of having colon cancer or an advanced precancerous polyp.
  • Your next step is to have a colonoscopy as soon as possible. Many patients with early-stage colon cancer have no symptoms and are diagnosed through screening.3

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

Steps to take after getting a result

For any result, it’s important to discuss next steps with your healthcare provider.

After a negative result:

Regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender, the American Cancer Society recommends screening for colon cancer starting at age 45. If you receive a negative result, it’s recommended that you screen again in 3 years.4

After a positive result:

Follow up with your healthcare provider and schedule a colonoscopy to see if you have colon cancer or precancerous polyps.

A woman sits in a doctor’s waiting room.

As part of preventive care and screening, most health plans cover a colonoscopy after a positive Cologuard Plus test result.*


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


A number of national and regional insurers already pay for colon cancer screening. We’re committed to working with insurance companies to expand coverage and access for patients aged 45 and above.

Check your result

Frequently asked questions

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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.

It typically takes 8 to 10 days from the date you ship back your Cologuard Plus kit to get your result. We’ll send them to your health care provider, too, so you can discuss your results with them. 

The American Cancer Society recommends screening again three years after a negative Cologuard Plus test result.

In a clinical study of nearly 19,000 average-risk patients aged 45-85, the Cologuard Plus test detected 95% of colon cancer.1 In the same study, only 9% of patients without colon cancer or advanced precancerous polyps had a false positive result.1


A positive result is not a cancer diagnosis; precancerous polyps or other findings are also possible. But a positive Cologuard result is an indication that a follow-up colonoscopy is necessary. See your healthcare provider to discuss your results and next steps.

The Cologuard Plus test is known as the use-at-home colon cancer test that requires no prep and no time-off. This means you don’t have to stay away from any food or drink. Talk to your health care provider if you have any dietary concerns, or get answers from one of our telehealth specialists at 1-844-870-8870.

You can 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.  The provider who ordered your test will also be sent a copy of your test results to share with you.

The Cologuard Plus test is for adults aged 45 and older who are at average risk for colon cancer. It is not a replacement for colonoscopy in high-risk individuals. However, if you receive a positive Cologuard Plus test result, a follow-up colonoscopy is required to determine next steps.