Cologuard false positive rate

The Cologuard test has a 13% false-positive rate, which means 1 in 10 positive tests will incorrectly identify cancer or polyps.

1. What can cause false positive on cologuard?
2. Should I be worried about a positive cologuard test?
3. What percentage of positive cologuard tests are cancer?
4. Does positive cologuard test mean cancer?

What can cause false positive on cologuard?

Yes, hemorrhoids are one possible cause of false positive Cologuard tests. Most inaccurate results occur because there is blood present in the stool, and hemorrhoids are one cause of blood in the stool. Diarrhea and menstruation are other possible causes.

Should I be worried about a positive cologuard test?

Abnormal result (positive result) suggests that the test found some pre-cancer or cancer cells in your stool sample. However, the Cologuard test does not diagnose cancer. You will need further tests to make a diagnosis of cancer. Your provider will likely suggest a colonoscopy.

What percentage of positive cologuard tests are cancer?

Almost one in six people who use the Cologuard test will have a positive result that suggests the presence of colorectal cancer. For 45 percent of those patients, the follow-up colonoscopy will show their Cologuard result was a false positive.

Does positive cologuard test mean cancer?

A positive result does not necessarily mean a patient has cancer. It means that Cologuard detected DNA and/or hemoglobin biomarkers in the stool that are associated with colorectal cancer or advanced adenoma. False positives and false negatives occur with Cologuard, and appropriate follow-up is important.