How frequently is the multitarget stool DNA test performed?

How frequently is the multitarget stool DNA test performed?

• A. Every year
• B. Every 5 years
• C. Every 3 years
• D. Every 10 years

Answer: (C)

Multitarget stool DNA testing is a noninvasive colorectal cancer screening option that is repeated at a fixed interval rather than every year. The interval is set by guidelines to balance how often the test can reasonably detect cancers or advanced precancerous lesions with the burden and cost of testing. The recommended cadence for this test is a three-year cycle, meaning it is repeated after about three years if the initial result is negative. This places it between annual noninvasive tests (which require yearly repeats) and much longer intervals used by other screening modalities like colonoscopy, which is typically done every ten years.

Multitarget stool DNA testing is a noninvasive colorectal cancer screening option that is repeated at a fixed interval rather than every year. The interval is set by guidelines to balance how often the test can reasonably detect cancers or advanced precancerous lesions with the burden and cost of testing. The recommended cadence for this test is a three-year cycle, meaning it is repeated after about three years if the initial result is negative. This places it between annual noninvasive tests (which require yearly repeats) and much longer intervals used by other screening modalities like colonoscopy, which is typically done every ten years.