What is ColoVantage®?
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ColoVantage Home is based on the latest technology to detect hidden bleeding, which may indicate colorectal disease.
First released in 2000, ColoVantage Home is a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) that has since been used to screen thousands of people across Australia and New Zealand.
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How does ColoVantage® work?
At home, the user collects two samples of toilet bowl water that are stored and protected on the Test Card. The sample is then simply posted through the mail (postage paid envelope provided) to the lab for processing. In the lab, the Test Card is investigated using a sophisticated ‘immunoassay’ to look for the presence of human blood in the sample. If the test is ‘positive’ this means that blood was detected and your doctor may request that you undergo further medical testing to look for the source of the bleeding.
How to use ColoVantage®
Life is for living, loving and laughing, so it stands to reason you’d do everything you can to keep yourself healthy.
Congratulations for making the decision to complete this bowel screen test. You need only two samples of toilet water taken from around your stool on two separate occasions.The good news is there is no faecal handling and you don’t have to scoop any solid matter. Using the brush provided lightly brush the surface of the stool and water around the stool and paint it onto the Test Card.
If you still have questions, please call 1800 55 65 75.
Congratulations for making the decision to complete this bowel screen test. You need only two samples of toilet water taken from around your stool on two separate occasions.The good news is there is no faecal handling and you don’t have to scoop any solid matter. Using the brush provided lightly brush the surface of the stool and water around the stool and paint it onto the Test Card.
If you still have questions, please call 1800 55 65 75.
ColoVantage® test instructions
What does a positive or negative test mean?
What does a positive test mean?
if you receive a positive test result, more testing and evaluation by a doctor is necessary. This additional testing and evaluation may include diagnostic tests that could help your doctor understand the cause of the blood in your stool.
What does a negative test mean?
A negative test result means that no human blood was found in the samples. Colorectal diseases do not bleed all the time and a faecal immunochemical test may not detect blood even if a condition is present.
This is not a replacement for a regular physical examination by your doctor.
If you have any questions about your bowel health you should see your doctor.
if you receive a positive test result, more testing and evaluation by a doctor is necessary. This additional testing and evaluation may include diagnostic tests that could help your doctor understand the cause of the blood in your stool.
What does a negative test mean?
A negative test result means that no human blood was found in the samples. Colorectal diseases do not bleed all the time and a faecal immunochemical test may not detect blood even if a condition is present.
This is not a replacement for a regular physical examination by your doctor.
If you have any questions about your bowel health you should see your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
questions regarding how the test works
What does the ColoVantage Home test include?
This tests costs $39.95 and includes:
Can you tell me about the test?
ColoVantage® Home is based on the latest technology to detect traces of blood that may be present in your stool, which may indicate colorectal disease. Conditions such as haemorrhoids and fissures may also cause blood to be released into the stool. First released in 2000, ColoVantage® Home is a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) that has now been used to screen thousands of people across Australia and New Zealand.
This tests costs $39.95 and includes:
- the test kit
- return postage of your samples
- pathology processing
- two result notifications (one to yourself, one to your nominated doctor)
- an annual renewal reminder service 12 months after your test.
Can you tell me about the test?
ColoVantage® Home is based on the latest technology to detect traces of blood that may be present in your stool, which may indicate colorectal disease. Conditions such as haemorrhoids and fissures may also cause blood to be released into the stool. First released in 2000, ColoVantage® Home is a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) that has now been used to screen thousands of people across Australia and New Zealand.
- There are no dietary or medicinal restrictions. You do not need to go off any foods or medicines.
- There is no faecal handling – you do not need to scoop any solid matter.
- There are only two samples of the toilet water from around the stool. Lightly brush surface of stool and water immediately round the stool.
- Test samples are simply posted in for analysis.
- Two result letters notifications are forwarded directly to you and also to your doctor.
Costs and rebates
What does it cost?
The total cost is $39.95.
I am with a health insurance fund. Can I claim this back?
Yes – to claim a refund you will need a receipt.
I have a DVA gold card. Can I get the test for free?
We currently do not have an arrangement with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Please make payment of $39.95 for the test and request a receipt on your information form. You can take this receipt to the DVA to claim.
I am over 50 and a pensioner. Can I get a free test?
No, we do charge a fee for our service. It is the same price for everybody.
Why do I have to pay? I just turned 50 and I heard this test was free.
The ColoVantage® Home test is not free.
ColoVantage® Home bowel screening service is not affiliated with the free National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
The total cost is $39.95.
I am with a health insurance fund. Can I claim this back?
Yes – to claim a refund you will need a receipt.
I have a DVA gold card. Can I get the test for free?
We currently do not have an arrangement with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Please make payment of $39.95 for the test and request a receipt on your information form. You can take this receipt to the DVA to claim.
I am over 50 and a pensioner. Can I get a free test?
No, we do charge a fee for our service. It is the same price for everybody.
Why do I have to pay? I just turned 50 and I heard this test was free.
The ColoVantage® Home test is not free.
ColoVantage® Home bowel screening service is not affiliated with the free National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
What if I need a new test?
How can I order a ColoVantage® Home kit?
The kits are available from:
I have completed my test incorrectly. Can I get another one?
Yes, you can ring our customer service toll-free number on 1800 55 65 75 or send us an email info@clinicalgenomics.com.
The kits are available from:
- your General Practitioner (GP)
- your local pharmacy
- this website
I have completed my test incorrectly. Can I get another one?
Yes, you can ring our customer service toll-free number on 1800 55 65 75 or send us an email info@clinicalgenomics.com.
TEST frequency
You have sent me a test but I don’t want to do it this year. Can I send it back?
Please hold on to it and use it next year. Check the expiry date printed on the back of the test card prior to using it. Unfortunately we cannot take the kit back so you can hold onto it or give it to someone else or dispose of it.
Please hold on to it and use it next year. Check the expiry date printed on the back of the test card prior to using it. Unfortunately we cannot take the kit back so you can hold onto it or give it to someone else or dispose of it.
QUESTIONS REGARDING TEST RESULTS
How soon can I expect a result?
The results will be mailed to you and your nominated doctor. Results are mailed within 14 business days from the time your test arrives in our lab.
The results will be mailed to you and your nominated doctor. Results are mailed within 14 business days from the time your test arrives in our lab.