FORT LEE, Va.  –   Please take advantage of our newest program for obtaining colon cancer screening Non-invasive and no-prep Colorectal Cancer screening kit from Exact Science called COLOGUARD.  You must be Tricare Prime beneficiary age 50+.
COLORGUARD frequently asked questions

Do I need to do anything to prepare for this test?
Please carefully read the instructions that arrived with the Cologuard Collection Kit prior to collecting the sample.
No other special preparation is required.
Do I need to stop taking any medications prior to using the test?      
No, there is no need to stop any medications prior to collecting a sample for Cologuard.
Are there any dietary restrictions for this test?
No, there are no known dietary issues or restrictions that would interfere with an accurate Cologuard result
What comes in the test kit? Where will I get it?
After we send the completed order slip from your healthcare provider, Dr. Eugene Kastelberg, you will receive a Collection Kit to the address you provided. We may need to contact you ahead of shipment if any information from the order form is missing. Once you receive the Collection Kit in the mail, open the kit for sample collection instructions.  You will also receive a prepaid return shipping label, and Exact Sciences Laboratories phone number, in case you have any additional questions.
How should I send the collection kit back to the lab?
The Collection Kit (with the sample inside) should be mailed back to our Exact Science Lab using the prepaid return shipping label. Bring your sample, the original box, and prepaid label at any UPS store or shipping location, or you can call 1-800-823-7459 to schedule a pick-up at your home. Please note that the sample must be shipped within 24 hours of collection, and received by our lab within 72 hours of collection. We recommend shipping your return kit Monday through Thursday for this reason. There is a Pre-addressed return label that we provide.
I received a kit but it is damaged (or missing a part). What should I do?
Please call Exact Sciences Laboratories Customer Support Center at 1-844-870-8870. Our support specialists will confirm your information and help determine if a new kit should be sent to you.

I could not mail my test for a few days after taking it. Is that okay?
Our lab needs to receive the sample within 72 hours following collection to ensure test accuracy, so we recommend shipping it within 24 hours of collection. If you are concerned that your sample will not arrive within 72 hours of collection, please call Exact Sciences Laboratories Customer Support Center at 1-844-870-8870.
How will I know if my sample is "normal"?
It is most important to get a 'typical sample' for you.  For example, if you normally have loose stool, go ahead and take the test. If you do not normally have loose stool, it is best to wait until the stool returns to its normal consistency. However, if you are sick and have diarrhea, you should not collect a sample. If you have any specific concerns, please call Exact Sciences Laboratories Customer Support Center at 1-844-870-8870.
 
How should I store the sample before returning it to the lab?
Samples should be stored in the Cologuard Collection Kit at room temperature, and returned to our lab within 72 hours from the time of collection. 
 
How long does it take to receive the results?
Your Cologuard test result will typically be delivered to your healthcare provider within two weeks of our lab receiving a sample. If you returned your sample to the lab more than two weeks ago but still haven’t received your results, please call Exact Sciences Laboratories Customer Support Center at 1-844-870-8870.
 
HOW DO I GET MY RESULTS?
Your provider team will call to set up a Virtual visit to go over your results with you. Your provider is Dr. Eugene Kastelberg. Kenner Family Medicine clinic contact information (804)734-9993.
 
What does a positive result mean?  
 
A positive result does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. It means that Cologuard detected DNA and/or hemoglobin biomarkers in the stool which are associated with colon cancer or pre-cancer. False positive and false negative results may occur with Cologuard and appropriate follow-up is important. Patients with a positive result should see your provider and may be scheduled for a diagnostic colonoscopy. Patients with a negative diagnostic colonoscopy following a positive Cologuard result do not require additional clinical evaluation and should continue in a screening program appropriate for you, recommended by your healthcare provider.
 
What does A negative result mean?
A negative result means that Cologuard did not detect significant levels of DNA and/or hemoglobin biomarkers in the stool which are associated with colon cancer or pre-cancer. False positives and false negatives occur with Cologuard and appropriate follow-up is important. If you have a negative result, you should continue in a screening program appropriate for you, recommended by your healthcare provider. Cologuard is recommended by the American Cancer Society every 3 years.
Front Desk Contact information (804) 734-9993
Family Medicine Clinic
Dr. Eugene Kastelberg, MD