Committee approves short bill adding updated colorectal screening guidance including newer blood tests

A short bill that updates references for colorectal cancer screening options, including recent blood-test technologies, was presented and passed unanimously by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday.

Committee members emphasized that colonoscopy remains the gold standard for high-risk patients and that the bill would align screening guidance with several national societies and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The sponsor noted the newer blood tests show sensitivity and specificity in the eighties and nineties and that the bill does not remove colonoscopy for those at higher risk.

The committee passed the measure by voice vote and adjourned its last meeting of the session.

Ending: The committee passed the bill unanimously and adjourned at 8:24 p.m.