Received a Cologuard® kit?
We’ve got you covered.

We’re Exact Sciences, the makers of the Cologuard test. Your health insurance has partnered with us because they want to give their members a no-cost screening test for colon cancer that you can use in the privacy of your own home. Don’t let that last part scare you. Colon cancer is highly preventable, and getting tested is the best way to make sure you’re doing your part to stay healthy.

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. It looks for both abnormal DNA and blood in your stool.
A smiling woman standing behind the counter at a tea shop.

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 test box contains everything you need to collect and send your sample back to us.

Zero Down Time

No in-person appointment is necessary. Your health plan has determined you are due for colon cancer screening. Complete your test kit at home, on your own schedule.

No Special Preparation

Keep your diet and medications exactly
as they are.

Delivered Right to Your Door

Your kit has already been prescribed, so you may already have it, or it’s about to be delivered to you.

Screen Every 3 Years2

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 complete your Cologuard test easily.
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's kit gets the highest quality care possible.

Understanding your results

You’ll get your test result within two weeks. It will be either positive or negative. Let’s explore each type of result and what it means.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Cologuard test is an FDA-approved, noninvasive colon cancer screening test. Patients collect a sample at home, then send it to the lab for testing. It’s for people 45 or older at average risk for colon cancer. RX only.
Learn More About The Cologuard Test
Colon cancer is the most preventable, yet least prevented cancer.1 But when caught in early stages (I & II), it’s treatment is effective in about 90% of people.2
  • 1 Itzkowitz SH. Incremental advances in excremental cancer detection tests. JNCI. 2009;101(18)1225-1227.
  • 2 National Cancer Institute. SEER cancer stat facts: colorectal cancer. Accessed Nov. 23, 2022. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html
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, of average risk for colorectal cancer.
  • 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.
The Cologuard test is for adults 45 years of age and older who are at average risk for colon cancer. The Cologuard test is not a replacement for colonoscopy in high-risk individuals.
Exact Sciences partners with health insurers to send Cologuard kits to members who are due for colon cancer screening.
Cologuard orders require a prescription. A certified healthcare provider may have placed your Cologuard order on your behalf. If you have a primary care physician, please share your results with him/her.
Exact Sciences Laboratories is a CLIA-certified laboratory. Your health insurer is able to share your information for healthcare purposes with healthcare providers like Exact Sciences Laboratories. We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your health information, including your results.
UPS sends your completed test back to Exact Sciences Laboratories in Madison, Wisconsin. Exact Sciences Laboratories is the sole lab that processes Cologuard tests. It takes approximately 2 weeks for a result to be generated. You will receive notification that a test result is available. Exact Sciences Laboratories is dedicated to delivering accurate results and providing world-class service. If you have any questions, please call 1-844-340-1594.
In some instances, your primary care provider will be provided with a copy of your results. If you have a primary care provider, please share your results with him/her and discuss any next steps or follow up care that may be required.
Your health insurer 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.