Concerned about bowel symptoms? A simple blood test may help guide your next step.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of bowel cancer, ColoSTAT® may help your doctor determine whether you need further investigation – with just a routine blood test.
Colorectal cancer (also known as bowel cancer) is one of the most common cancers in Australia, with around 14,000–15,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The good news is that when detected early, 5-year survival rates can be as high as 90%.
Speak to your doctor if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have cancer – but it’s important to get checked.
Blood in your stool
A change in your toilet habits
Unexplained tiredness or weight loss
Stomach or abdominal pain
Persistent or unexplained abdominal discomfort or bloating shouldn’t be overlooked. Your doctor can help determine the cause and whether testing is appropriate.
Download the ColoSTAT® Patient Information Flyer
What ColoSTAT® Does (and does not)
What it is
ColoSTAT® is a simple blood test that looks for specific protein markers associated with colorectal cancer. It helps your doctor assess your symptoms and decide whether further investigation, such as a colonoscopy, may be needed.
For some patients, ColoSTAT® may also be considered when other tests are not suitable. This may include situations where a patient is unable or unwilling to complete a stool-based test, or where a colonoscopy is not appropriate due to personal or medical reasons. In these cases, ColoSTAT® can support your doctor in determining the most appropriate next step.
Access ColoSTAT® resources
What it is not
ColoSTAT® is not a screening test for people without symptoms and does not replace recommended screening programs. If you don’t have symptoms but are concerned about bowel cancer, you should participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program or speak with your doctor about other options, including whether geneType™ may be appropriate.
Learn more about geneType™
WHY CHOOSE COLOSTAT®?
- Simple and convenient: ColoSTAT® is a simple blood test that can be completed as part of a routine blood draw, without the need for handling stool samples or preparing for costly invasive procedures.
- Supports your next step: If you’re experiencing symptoms, it can be difficult to know what to do next. ColoSTAT® provides additional information to help your doctor determine whether further investigation may be needed.
- Non-invasive approach: ColoSTAT® is a blood test, which means no bowel preparation, no procedures, and no disruption to your daily routine.
- Helps reduce uncertainty: Ongoing symptoms can be worrying, especially when the cause isn’t clear. ColoSTAT® can help provide clarity and support more informed conversations with your doctor.
- Fast results: Results returned to your doctor within days
Your Journey with ColoSTAT®
Talk to your doctor
Download the patient guide, including the test requisition form and speak with your doctor about your symptoms.
Visit a collection centre
Attend a 4Cyte Pathology collection with your doctor’s referral form to collect your sample.
Your sample is analysed
Your blood is tested at our NATA-accredited laboratory in Melbourne.
Get your results
Your doctor receives the results and discusses next steps with you.
EVIDENCE SNAPSHOT – Designed to support confident decision-making
ColoSTAT® has been developed from years of Australian clinical research by Rhythm Biosciences, building on work by the CSIRO.
91% sensitivity
ColoSTAT® can identify most colorectal cancers in people with symptoms, including at earlier stages. This helps your doctor recognise when further investigation may be needed.
Comparable to stool tests
ColoSTAT® performs similarly to commonly used stool-based tests, but with a simple blood draw instead. This may be a more comfortable option for some patients.
Less than 1% chance of a missed cancer with a negative result
A negative result can provide reassurance while your doctor continues to assess your symptoms. Results are always considered alongside your overall clinical picture.
Colorectal cancers detected early have a 5-year survival rate of more than 90%.
Detecting cancer earlier can make a significant difference to outcomes. ColoSTAT® helps support earlier decision-making when symptoms are being investigated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a test cost and is it covered by Medicare?
The test is not covered by Medicare (meaning it is out of pocket expense) and costs $249
Can I have the ColoSTAT® test if I do not have symptoms?
No. ColoSTAT® is intended for use in symptomatic patients only. The test has been designed and validated to support clinical assessment in individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of colorectal disease. Testing of asymptomatic individuals is not supported
Who is ColoSTAT® for?
ColoSTAT® is designed for people aged 45–84 who are experiencing symptoms of bowel cancer, or who are reluctant to perform a stool-based test. It is not a screening tool for people without symptoms.
How is ColoSTAT® different from a stool test (FIT)?
Unlike FIT, which requires you to collect a stool sample at home, ColoSTAT® is a standard blood test performed at a pathology collection centre. It directly detects protein biomarkers associated with colorectal cancer, rather than looking for blood in stool.
Can I do this test if I have already participated in FIT/FOBT?
Yes. FIT/FOBT tests are non-specific and detect blood in stool, which can have multiple causes. ColoSTAT® may provide additional information to support healthcare professionals in assessing individual clinical circumstances and determining whether further investigation, such as colonoscopy, is warranted or should be prioritised
Do I need to fast or take other special preparations for the blood collection?
No. There is no fasting or special preparation required for the ColoSTAT® blood test. You can eat, drink, and take your medications as normal before your appointment. The collection is a standard venous blood draw performed at the clinic, and the entire process typically takes only a few minutes.
How long do results take?
Results are typically returned to your doctor within 4-10 working days of sample collection.
Does ColoSTAT® replace a colonoscopy?
No. ColoSTAT® is a triage tool that helps your doctor decide whether a colonoscopy is needed. It is not a replacement for diagnostic or surveillance colonoscopy.
Where can I get a ColoSTAT® test?
ColoSTAT® is available through 4Cyte Pathology collection centres across Australia. You’ll need a referral from your doctor.
Disclaimer
ColoSTAT® is a blood-based in-vitro diagnostic aid used for the triage of colorectal cancer (CRC). It is not diagnostic and needs professional interpretation. This information is for general purposes only. Please ask your doctor if ColoSTAT® is appropriate for you.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
