How you prepare
By Mayo Clinic staffStool 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 clean out (empty) your colon ahead of time.
References
- Fletcher RH. Tests for screening for colorectal cancer: Stool tests, radiologic imaging and endoscopy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 12, 2011.
- Labianca R, et al. Screening and diagnosis for colorectal cancer: Present and future. Tumori. 2010;96:889.
- Levin B, et al. Screening and surveillance for the early detection of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps, 2008: A joint guideline from the American Cancer Society, the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, and the American College of Radiology. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2008;158:130.
- Ahlquist DA. Next generation stool DNA testing: Expanding the scope. Gastroenterology. 2009;136:2068.
- Ahlquist DA. Molecular detection of colorectal neoplasia. Gastroenterology. 2010;138:2127.
- Lieberman D. Progress and challenges in colorectal cancer screening and surveillance. Gastroenterology. 2010;138:2115.
- Lansdorp-Vogelaar I, et al. Stool DNA testing to screen for colorectal cancer in the Medicare population: A cost-effectiveness analysis. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2010;153:368.


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