FAQs

Cologuard is a noninvasive colon cancer screening test for people 45 years of age and older who are at average risk for colon cancer. Rx only. Learn more about Cologuard now

Cologuard uses advanced stool DNA technology to detect the DNA and blood cells released from altered cells, and can detect both precancer and cancer. More about stool DNA technology

Cologuard is shown to be effective. In a clinical study of 10,000 participants ages 50-84 years old, of average risk for colorectal cancer, Cologuard found 92% of cancer.¹ More about how Cologuard is effective

1. Imperiale TF, Ransohoff DF, Itzkowitz SH, et al. Multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal-cancer screening. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(14):1287-1297.

Yes, Cologuard can detect some precancerous polyps that grow on the wall of the colon and may develop into cancer.¹ More about how Cologuard is effective

1. Imperiale TF, Ransohoff DF, Itzkowitz SH, et al. Multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal-cancer screening. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(14):1287-1297.

Cologuard is for people 45 years of age and older who are at average risk for colon cancer. Cologuard is not a replacement for colonoscopy in high risk individuals. More about who Cologuard is for

There are 2 options for getting Cologuard: through your own healthcare provider, or online through a telemedicine provider. More about requesting Cologuard

Your Cologuard kit comes with complete, easy-to-follow instructions. Get more information and watch the How to Use video. Watch video here. You can also download our Patient Guide here.

You can return your sample using the same box your kit came in, using the prepaid UPS label. Your Cologuard kit comes with complete instructions. You can also download instructions for returning your Cologuard kit here. More about using and returning Cologuard

Each Cologuard prescription and kit have expiration dates. The kit expiration date is on the box it comes in. Make sure to check and use your kit before the expiration date. If you have questions, call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. We can help you get a new collection kit if needed.

It’s important to get a sample that is typical for you in terms of consistency (loose stools are okay 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 specific questions, call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. For instructions on how to provide your sample, watch the How to Use video and read more here.

If you have any questions about using your Cologuard kit, call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Please call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. Our support specialists will confirm your information to determine if a new Cologuard kit should be sent to you.

It typically takes 2 weeks from the date you ship back your Cologuard kit to get your results. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results. Results may be positive or negative for detecting altered DNA and/or blood in your sample. More about screening and results

A positive result means the test detected altered DNA and/or blood that could be caused by a precancerous polyp or colon cancer. 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. See more information about results

Cologuard is covered by Medicare and most major insurers. Most patients pay $0.* Find more information here

*Rate of coverage varies by state and region. Coverage rate only applies to Cologuard screening population.

Cologuard offers payment options either by mail or online. For assistance you can call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. More about bill payment More about bill payment