The Investor
30 Sep 2026, 18:23
Abbott Launches SimpleScreen CRC Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Abbott announced the U.S. commercial launch of SimpleScreen CRC, an FDA-approved blood-based colorectal cancer screening test for adults age 45 and older who are at average risk for the disease.
Developed and manufactured by Freenome and exclusively commercialized by Abbott, SimpleScreen CRC expands the company’s colorectal cancer screening portfolio alongside Cologuard Plus. The blood-based test is intended as an option for eligible patients who decline or do not complete preferred stool-based or visual screening methods.
SimpleScreen CRC uses circulating cell-free DNA in blood to detect signals associated with colorectal cancer. In the PREEMPT CRC validation study involving more than 48,000 adults, the test demonstrated 81.1% overall sensitivity for colorectal cancer, including 63.5% sensitivity for Stage I disease. It also showed 90.4% specificity for advanced colorectal neoplasia.
Abbott said the test is covered by Medicare, with no out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients with Medicare Part B. Patients can complete the blood draw through participating laboratories or mobile phlebotomy services.
The company is also extending its patient navigation infrastructure to SimpleScreen CRC, including blood-draw coordination, reminders, insurance assistance, bilingual support and follow-up services.
Abbott is positioning the launch as a way to expand colorectal cancer screening participation by offering an additional noninvasive option for patients who might otherwise remain unscreened.
Abbott announced the U.S. commercial launch of SimpleScreen CRC, an FDA-approved blood-based colorectal cancer screening test for adults age 45 and older who are at average risk for the disease.
Developed and manufactured by Freenome and exclusively commercialized by Abbott, SimpleScreen CRC expands the company’s colorectal cancer screening portfolio alongside Cologuard Plus. The blood-based test is intended as an option for eligible patients who decline or do not complete preferred stool-based or visual screening methods.
SimpleScreen CRC uses circulating cell-free DNA in blood to detect signals associated with colorectal cancer. In the PREEMPT CRC validation study involving more than 48,000 adults, the test demonstrated 81.1% overall sensitivity for colorectal cancer, including 63.5% sensitivity for Stage I disease. It also showed 90.4% specificity for advanced colorectal neoplasia.
Abbott said the test is covered by Medicare, with no out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients with Medicare Part B. Patients can complete the blood draw through participating laboratories or mobile phlebotomy services.
The company is also extending its patient navigation infrastructure to SimpleScreen CRC, including blood-draw coordination, reminders, insurance assistance, bilingual support and follow-up services.
Abbott is positioning the launch as a way to expand colorectal cancer screening participation by offering an additional noninvasive option for patients who might otherwise remain unscreened.
