WHAT IS THE COLOGUARD TEST?

No cost, no prep, no time off, no reason not to

The Cologuard test is for adults 45+ at average risk. It’s a noninvasive and effective prescription-based colon cancer screening test you can use at home to collect a sample, then send to the lab. It looks for both abnormal DNA and blood in your stool.
The Cologuard collection kit box

Every reason to take action

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.1 It’s also the most effectively treatable if caught early. Your Cologuard test box contains everything you need to collect and send your sample back to us.

Zero downtime

No in-person appointment is needed. Your health plan has determined you’re due for a cancer screening. Complete your test kit at home and on your schedule.

No need to prep

Keep your diet and medications exactly as they are.

Delivered right to your door

Your test has already been prescribed. So you either already have it, or it’s about to be shipped in a white or brown box.

Screen every 3 years1

Unlike other noninvasive options that promote yearly screenings, the American Cancer Society recommends screening again three years after a negative Cologuard result.

What’s next?

Follow our step-by-step guide to easily complete your Cologuard test.
Watch our how to use video
Read our quick start guide

Your kit comes with a pre-paid UPS® shipping return label. All you have to do is send it back to our labs for processing.


Take a peek inside Exact Sciences Laboratories to see how we ensure each patient gets the highest quality care possible.

Understanding your results

Patients typically get their test result within two weeks. It will be either positive or negative. Let’s explore each type of result and what they mean.

Frequently asked questions

The Cologuard test is an FDA-approved, noninvasive, prescription-based, use-at-home collection kit for screening people 45 or older who are at average risk for colon cancer. Use it in the privacy of your home and ship it back to our lab for testing.
Learn more

Colon cancer is the most preventable, yet least prevented cancer.1 When caught in early stages (I & II), it’s survivable in about 90% of people.2

The Cologuard test found 92% of all colon cancers (and 94% of all stage I & II cancers) in a clinical study of 10,000 participants, ages 50-84 years old, who are of average risk for colorectal cancer.
  • Imperiale TF, Ransohoff DF, Itzkowitz SH, et al. Multi-target stool DNA testing for colorectal-cancer screening. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(14):1287-1297.

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.

We’ve partnered with health insurers to send Cologuard kits to their members who are due for colon cancer screening.

Cologuard test orders require a prescription. A certified health care provider may have placed your Cologuard order on your behalf. If you have a primary care doctor, please share your results with them.

Exact Sciences Laboratories is a CLIA-certified laboratory. Your health insurance can share your information for health care purposes with providers like us. We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your information, including your results.

UPS® returns your completed test to our lab in Madison, Wisconsin. Exact Sciences Laboratories is the sole lab that processes Cologuard tests. Results are typically available within 2 weeks. You will receive a notification when yours is ready. Our lab is dedicated to delivering accurate results and providing the service you deserve. If you have any questions, please call 1-844-340-1594.

In some cases, your primary care provider will be provided with a copy of your results. Please share your results with them, and discuss any next steps or follow-up care that may be required.

Your health insurance will only be billed once there is a valid result. The Cologuard test is covered as part of your insurance benefits and there is no cost to you.