What Does Positive Cologuard Stool Test Mean?

Posted on Thu, 20 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 Answered on

Wed, 10 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I recently have the results of a Cologuard stool sample that are "positive." I will have a colonoscopy soon. Should I be concerned or very concerned. I am also constipated with hard stool made up of small balls. I am 75 years old. Thank you,

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the detailed answer below!!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

There are 13 persons out of every 100 who would be wrongly labeled by cologuard as positive.

I will say the good news is that you are finally going in for the colonoscopy that would bring all this to clarity. While I am certainly concerned because it is a positive test, I am not too concerned because a comprehensive evaluation is around.

It is totally possible that you are among this 13 % who would be falsely labeled by the test.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.
Besides, kindly share your colonoscopy results with me.

Regards

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee