Feedback Form

The stool DNA test is safe and poses no risks.

Limitations of the test may include:

• A stool DNA test could lead to additional testing. If your stool DNA test shows DNA changes that are associated with colon polyps or colon cancer, you'll likely undergo additional testing to find the source.

Your doctor would likely recommend colonoscopy, which includes removal of polyps or biopsy procedures to remove tissue samples for testing. If you undergo these additional tests, but it's determined that you don't have cancer, you could be exposed to additional risks for no reason.

• A stool DNA test can't detect all cancers. It's possible that colon cancer or precancerous polyps could go undetected during a stool DNA test. This might occur due to a technical error or to insufficient quantity of your stool sample.

Stool DNA testing requires little preparation. You can eat and drink normally before the test and continue your current medications. There's also no need to undergo bowel preparation to clean out or empty your colon before the test.

During a stool DNA test you collect a stool sample and submit it to your doctor's office or mail it to a designated laboratory.

You'll receive a stool DNA test kit for collecting and submitting the stool sample. The kit includes a container that attaches to the toilet and a preservative solution that is added to the stool sample before sealing the container. The stool DNA test requires only one stool sample.

After the stool sample is collected, it can be returned to the doctor's office or sent by mail to the laboratory.

Stool DNA test results may include:

• Negative result. A test is considered negative if DNA markers common to colon cancer or precancerous polyps and signs of blood are not found in the stool.
• Positive result. A test is considered positive if DNA markers common to colon cancer or precancerous polyps or signs of blood are found in the stool sample. Additional evaluation, such as a colonoscopy to examine the colon, may be recommended to determine the cause.