How to Use Cologuard: Instructions | Cologuard® Patient Site

Choose your desired language for the video below to see how easy Cologuard can be to use

How to use your Cologuard kit

Receive and unpack your Cologuard kit. Check and use before expiration date.
Place your sample container into the toilet bracket.
Use your Cologuard kit to collect your sample.
Scrape your sample, then fill the sample container with preservative.
Schedule a UPS pickup with the prepaid label. Ship your kit back to us the same or next day after collection.

Test results are usually sent to your healthcare provider within 2 weeks.

If you have any questions, Customer Care is available 24/7 at 1-844-870-8870, or you can
view our Cologuard quick start guide to learn more about collecting a sample

Return your kit two ways

Plan to collect your sample when you can get it back to UPS that same or next day.
Remember, some locations are closed on Sundays or holidays.

Download shipping instructions in English or Spanish

Shipping FAQ

What if I don’t have a permanent address?
No problem. We need an address where you can receive the kit, but it doesn’t need to be your permanent address.

Can Cologuard be mailed to a PO box?
Yes. We can send your kit to your PO box if that is where you normally receive packages. When returning your kit, you will need to contact UPS to schedule a pickup or drop off your kit at a UPS location.

If I schedule a UPS pick-up, do I need to be home?
No. You don’t need to be at home at the pick-up time, but leave your Cologuard box in a visible location, such as near your front door.

What if I live in Puerto Rico or a US territory?
Simply contact us at 1-844-870-8870 and we’ll be happy to help.

Cancel a UPS pickup

Additional important topics

Screening and mobility issues

To collect your sample, you’ll need to sit on a toilet to have a bowel movement, and open and close bottles and containers. If you typically need help with these activities, you may need help while collecting the sample.
Do not use Cologuard if you see blood in your stool

If you have blood in your stool due to actively bleeding hemorrhoids or menstruation, do not use Cologuard, as you may get a false positive result.
Urine in the collection container
If a little urine gets into your collection container it should be okay, but too much could make the sample unusable. Re-collect your sample if you think too much urine has gotten in. Some tips:

Empty your bladder before collecting your sample

Try moving the container a little farther back under your toilet seat