As an NP you will need to be knowledgeable in order to educate patients about colorectal cancer screening options. In the U. S., 1 in 3, or 23 million eligible people are not screened for colorectal cancer. Advances in genomic technologies have provided new methods to screen for colorectal cancer. Three of the methods to screen for colorectal cancer that are approved by the FDA include the Epiprocolon test, the Cologuard test, and traditional colonoscopy. Information about the epiprocolon test can be found at http://www.epiprocolon.com/us Information about the Cologuard test can be found at http://www.cologuardtest.com/
1. What is the Epiprocolon test and what type of sample is required, what genomic methods are used and what is the specificity and sensitivity of the test? What does a positive epiprocolon test result indicate and what action should be taken? What action should be taken if the test results is negative?
2. What is the Cologuard test and what type of genomic methods are used, what type of sample and what is the specificity and sensitivity of the test? What does a positive Cologuard test result indicate and what action should be taken? What action should be taken if the test results is negative?
3. Is reimbursement available for the epiprocolon test and the cologuard test?
4. Compare and contrast the advantages of the cologuard test, epiprocolon test, and traditional colon cancer screening?