FIT negative
No hidden blood was detected by that test. For average-risk screening, FIT is repeated on schedule—typically every year. A negative test does not rule out every colorectal lesion and should not be used to dismiss symptoms.
After the test
Understand common screening and colonoscopy result language
A result is only one part of the story. The next step can depend on why the test was done, prep quality, whether the entire colon was examined, pathology, number and size of polyps, and your personal/family history.
FIT positive
This does not mean you have cancer. It means the screening test found blood and the recommended next step is colonoscopy to determine the cause and complete the screening process.
Stool DNA/RNA negative
No target signal was detected at the test’s positivity threshold. If you are average risk and asymptomatic, repeat according to the test’s recommended interval.
Stool DNA/RNA positive
A positive result can occur for reasons other than cancer, but it requires timely colonoscopy for evaluation.
Normal colonoscopy
No significant lesion was identified on the examination. For an average-risk person with a high-quality complete screening exam, the usual interval can be 10 years—but individual factors can change this.
Polyp removed
The polyp is usually sent to pathology. The next interval depends on the number, size, location, completeness of removal, microscopic type, bowel-prep quality, and examination completeness.
Biopsy pending
The clinician saw an area that required tissue sampling. A pathology report is needed before the finding can be fully interpreted.
Inadequate bowel prep
If cleansing was not adequate to reliably detect important lesions, the examination may not count as a complete screening exam and an earlier repeat may be recommended.
Do not skip the second step
A positive non-colonoscopy screening test is not the end of screening.
CDC, ACS, and USPSTF all emphasize the need for colonoscopy after abnormal stool tests or abnormal visual screening such as CT colonography. Without that follow-up, the screening pathway is incomplete.
See coverage questions for follow-up colonoscopyYour report
Five lines worth finding in a colonoscopy report
- Indication: screening, surveillance, or evaluation of symptoms.
- Extent: whether the examination reached the cecum / was complete.
- Bowel-prep quality: whether visualization was adequate.
- Findings: number, size, location, and removal method for polyps or other lesions.
- Recommendation: the proposed follow-up plan, often finalized after pathology.
If the recommendation changes after pathology, the final pathology-informed plan is the one to discuss with your clinician.
Evidence
Primary sources for this page
CDCAbnormal non-colonoscopy tests require colonoscopyAmerican Cancer Society2026 screening intervals and follow-up principleAGA / USMSTFAdequate bowel prep is needed to assign standard intervals
Medical content reviewed against these sources on September 5, 2026. This does not replace clinician review before public launch.