Cologuard is a non-invasive, at-home screening method for colorectal cancer. The test analyzes a collected stool sample for specific biological markers. Its technology focuses on detecting altered DNA shed from cancerous or precancerous cells and the presence of hemoglobin, which indicates blood in the stool. Identifying these combined markers aims to provide an early indication of potential colorectal issues.
The Cologuard Testing Process
A healthcare provider orders the Cologuard kit, which is shipped directly to the patient’s home address. The kit contains all necessary materials for a single collection, including a sample container, a preservative liquid, and detailed instructions. Patients collect a full stool sample using the provided container, avoiding contamination with urine or toilet paper.
After collection, a small portion is placed into a separate tube, and preservative liquid is added to the main container to maintain sample integrity. The patient must then securely package the sample using the prepaid label and promptly return the kit to the lab. Sending the box back the same day or the following day ensures the sample reaches the testing facility in good condition.
Typical Laboratory Processing Timeline
Once the collected sample arrives at the Exact Sciences laboratory, the typical turnaround time for Cologuard results is approximately 8 to 10 days after the kit is received and logged. This period accounts for the specialized steps required to analyze the sample’s contents.
During this time, the lab isolates the DNA from the stool sample using a highly automated system. This process performs DNA purification and a specialized reaction called Quantitative Allele-Specific Real-time Target and Signal amplification (QuARTS). Simultaneously, the sample is tested for hidden blood using a semi-automated hemoglobin test. The results from these separate analyses are combined using a proprietary algorithm to generate the final screening result.
Factors That Can Delay Your Results
Several factors can extend the wait for your results beyond the standard timeline. The initial phase depends on the shipping process, as delays in postal service or courier delivery push back the start of lab analysis. The integrity of the sample is another common reason for delay, as the lab must receive the specimen within a specific timeframe after collection to ensure accurate results.
If the sample is improperly collected, stored, or compromised during transit, the lab may be unable to complete the analysis. This can lead to a “no result obtained” outcome, requiring the patient to provide a new sample and restarting the entire testing timeline. High testing volume or seasonal backlogs at the central laboratory can also occasionally add extra days to the processing time.
How and Where You Receive Your Results
The test results are not delivered directly to the patient from the lab but are sent to the healthcare provider who originally ordered the test. This ensures the clinician receives the full report first, allowing them to interpret the findings within the context of the patient’s medical history. The provider then communicates the outcome to the patient through various methods.
This communication often takes the form of a phone call, a secure message through an online patient portal like MyChart, or a scheduled follow-up appointment. Some patients may also access their results directly through a dedicated Cologuard patient portal after the report is finalized. The ordering clinician remains the primary source for discussing the meaning of the results.
Next Steps Following Result Notification
The course of action following notification is determined by the test outcome. A negative result indicates the test did not detect the altered DNA or blood markers associated with advanced precancerous polyps or cancer. For individuals at average risk, a negative Cologuard result means they should continue with the recommended screening schedule, typically retesting in three years.
Conversely, a positive result suggests the detection of altered DNA or blood, warranting immediate further investigation. It is important to note that a positive Cologuard result is a screening finding, not a definitive cancer diagnosis. The next mandatory step is to schedule a diagnostic colonoscopy, which allows a specialist to visually inspect the colon, confirm any findings, and remove any precancerous growths.