Guardant's Colon Cancer Blood Test Faces FDA Scrutiny Amid Stock Halt

Guardant Health's Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening is a step closer to FDA approval after an advisory panel voted on its safety and effectiveness. If approved, it would be the first blood test for colorectal cancer covered by Medicare, offering a non-invasive alternative to current screening methods like colonoscopies and stool tests. The test has shown around 83% sensitivity and 90% specificity in detecting colorectal cancer, though it is less effective at identifying precancerous lesions.