For patients
Test results

How to read your test results

We make it easy to understand your Oncodetect™ Molecular Residual Disease (MRD) test results. You’ll see whether or not DNA fragments from your tumor have been detected in your blood, the amount detected (if any), and a historical chart of your past results.
A man sitting on a couch looking at a laptop.

Explore your Oncodetect MRD test report

The Oncodetect MRD test report provides clear and simple results, showing whether any circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was detected in your blood and tracking your ctDNA levels over time. The report can help you and your doctor evaluate your risk of cancer recurrence and monitor your response to treatment.
A plus sign from the Oncodetect MRD test report, depicting a positive (or ctDNA detected) result.

Detected or not detected

The report begins with a positive or negative, showing whether any ctDNA from your tumor has been detected in your blood. A positive result means ctDNA was detected. A negative result means no ctDNA was detected.
An example image from the Oncodetect MRD test report depicting a ctDNA level of 5.20 mean tumor molecules per millileter of plasma.

Amount detected

If ctDNA is detected,* the amount of ctDNA will be shown as “mean tumor molecules per milliliter of plasma [MTM/mL].”
An example image from the Oncodetect MRD test report depicting a patient’s ctDNA level going up over time.

Trends over time

Tracking your ctDNA levels over time — pre-surgery, post-surgery, during and after adjuvant therapy — can help you and your doctor make more informed treatment decisions.
Two lab technicians working at machines (overlay).

The Oncodetect MRD test can detect fragments of cancer DNA 30,000 times narrower than a strand of human hair.2

Breaking down the results

Your personalized Oncodetect MRD test report will show the amount of ctDNA found in your bloodstream. If you are monitoring MRD over time, you’ll see a historical graph of your levels, suggesting evidence of cancer recurrence, progression, or regression.

Low likelihood of recurrence

A “Negative – ctDNA not detected” result means the Oncodetect MRD test has found no identifiable evidence of MRD. It could also signify a lower risk of recurrence or progression.3†
An example image from the Oncodetect MRD test report depicting a patient’s ctDNA level staying undetected over time.

Risk of recurrence

A “Positive – ctDNA detected” result means you are at a higher risk of recurrence or progression.3 But knowing your results, and the trend of ctDNA levels over time, can help you and your doctor decide on the best treatment plan.
An example image from the Oncodetect MRD test report depicting a patient’s ctDNA level going down and up over time.

It’s easy to view your test results

After your doctor orders the Oncodetect MRD test, you’ll receive an email or text to sign up for your Exact Sciences patient account.‡ Once your account is created, you can access your test results as soon as they’re available, as well as track your test order, get support from customer care, and more.
A woman with a laptop showing Oncodetect MRD test results.
A customer care representative smiling with a headset on.

We’re here to help

You’re not alone. Specialists from Exact Sciences can provide support to help you navigate the insurance and billing process, as well as assist with prior authorizations, billing insurance, appealing denied claims, and providing flexible payment options when necessary.

Call +1 888-662-6897

Have questions?

Call us at +1 888-662-6897.

References and footnotes

  1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare Coverage Database. LCD—MolDX: Minimal Residual Disease Testing for Cancer. Accessed January 21, 2025. https://www.cms.gov/
  2. From https://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/nano-size: A strand of human DNA is 2.5 nanometers in diameter. A strand of hair is 100 micrometers in diameter.
  3. Diergaarde B, Young G, Hall DW, Mazloom A, Costa G, Subramaniam S, Palomares M, Garces J, Baehner FL, Schoen RE; and other members of the Exact Sciences MRD Group. Circulating tumor DNA as a marker of recurrence risk in Stage III colorectal cancer: The α‐CORRECT study. Journal of Surgical Oncology.
  4. Quantitative results are only reported if above lower limit threshold for quantitation.
  5. A negative result does not definitively rule out the presence of MRD.
  6. If your health care provider did not include your mobile phone number or email address when submitting the lab order, you will not receive an SMS message or email from Exact Sciences.


    This test was developed, and its performance characteristics determined by Genomic Health, Inc. The Oncodetect test was clinically validated in colorectal cancer patients with stage II-IV disease. Performance characteristics may not apply in tumor types not included in this test’s clinical validation. The test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The test has been validated as a Laboratory Developed Test per institutional and applicable CLIA regulation (CLIA# 03D2048606) and College of American Pathology (CAP# 8869063) as qualified to perform high complexity clinical laboratory testing.