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High adherence to repeat mt-sDNA testing highlighted disparities driven by insurance type and before-screening history.  

Researchers conducted a study published in June 2025 issue of the Journal of Primary Care & Community Health to assess repeat mt-sDNA screening adherence among individuals from federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) across the US by payer type, as part of ongoing efforts to improve colorectal cancer screening. 

They utilized data from Exact Sciences Laboratories, LLC, for individuals who previously completed mt-sDNA test between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023. The analysis included those eligible for repeat testing during this period. The total sample consisted of 19,536 individuals. The study focused on 2 key outcomes: adherence rate to repeat mt-sDNA screening and the average time taken to return the test kit.  

The results showed that 19,536 eligible individuals were included in the analysis. The adherence rate to repeat mt-sDNA screening was 79.7%, with an average kit return time of 21.1 ± 20.8 days. Adherence rates varied by insurance type: Medicare (84.7%), Medicare Advantage (80%), commercial insurance (78.2%), managed care organization (74.6%), and Medicaid (65.9%) (P < .001). Compared to those with commercial insurance, individuals with Medicaid had 42% lower odds of completing repeat mt-sDNA screening. Those with 2 or more prior successful tests returned kits faster on average than those with only 1.  

Investigators concluded that repeat mt-sDNA screening adherence remained high overall but varied notably by insurance type and prior to test history. 

Source: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21501319251348099