An endoscopist's knowledge of a positive Cologuard test improved colonoscopy performance, according to a Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic poster presentation at the 2016 Digestive Disease Week in San Diego.
Researchers from Mayo Clinic compared results of colonoscopies following a positive result from Cologuard (unblinded) with colonoscopies performed by those who were not aware of the Cologuard result (blinded).
Here are four points:
1. Unblinded endoscopists found polyps or hemorrhagic lesions 83 percent of the time and precancerous polyps in 70 percent of patients.
2. Comparatively, blinded endoscopists found polyps or hemorrhagic lesions 68 percent of the time and precancerous polyps in 53 percent of patients.
3. Researchers also found unblinded endoscopists spent 46 percent more time and found twice as many polyps per colonoscopy.
4. Madison, Wis.-based Exact Sciences and Mayo Clinic co-developed Cologuard, which was the FDA approved in August 2014.