UNDERSTANDING YOUR COLOGUARD® TEST RESULTS

What a negative or positive result could mean

The Cologuard test looks for both DNA and blood in your stool. It can detect both precancer and cancer cells. After you ship your kit back to our lab, you will receive either a negative or positive result.1


In a clinical study of 10,000 people between 50 to 84 with average risk, Cologuard detected 92% of colon cancer. Meanwhile, 87% of patients without colon cancer received a negative test result.


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

What does a negative Cologuard result mean?

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What a negative result means:
  • The Cologuard test 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 health care provider, ask when you should screen again.

What does a positive Cologuard result mean?

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If you receive a positive result:
  • The Cologuard test detected altered DNA and/or blood in your stool —this could be due to precancerous growths, colon cancer, or other factors.
  • Know that a positive result is not the same as a cancer diagnosis.
  • 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.2

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 health care provider or a telehealth specialist.

After a negative result:

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

After a positive result:

Follow up with your health care provider and schedule a colonoscopy to see what this positive result means for you.

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


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

Check your result

Frequently asked questions

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A negative result means the test did not detect altered DNA and/or blood that could be caused by a precancerous polyp or colon cancer. 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 altered DNA and/or blood that could be caused by a precancerous polyp or colon cancer. Talk to your health care provider about getting a colonoscopy and any other next steps.

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

Unlike other noninvasive options that are used once a year, the American Cancer Society recommends screening again three years after a negative Cologuard test result.

In a study of 10,000 people of average risk, the Cologuard test detected 92% of colon cancer. Meanwhile, 87% of patients without colon cancer received a negative test result.


A positive result is not a cancer diagnosis. See your health care provider to discuss your results, next steps, and the right screening method for you.

Cologuard 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.

Log in to your account to access your results. They will typically be available in 8 to 10 days once our lab receives your kit. 

The Cologuard 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.