ColoSTAT® now orderable in GP software used by an estimated 95% of Australian practices
GPs using Best Practice Premier (Bp Premier) can now order ColoSTAT®, the blood-based colorectal cancer triage test from Rhythm Biosciences (ASX: RHY), from within their clinical software. The update was announced on 5 November 2026.
Together with the MedicalDirector integration, live since 1 August 2026 and announced on 20 August 2026, the two GP systems cover an estimated 95% of Australian general practices. More than 130 collection sites are also live across the eastern states, up from more than 100 announced on 20 August 2026.
The barrier to access is falling, and Rhythm now shifts its focus from access to adoption, building routine use of ColoSTAT® across GP clinics.
Key facts from the announcement:
- Bp Premier: GPs can order ColoSTAT® from within their clinical software immediately
- Coverage: an estimated 95% of Australian general practices, via Bp Premier and MedicalDirector
- Collection sites: more than 130 live across the eastern states
Dr David Atkins, CEO & Managing Director
“…The practical barriers are coming down. Our job now is to turn that access into everyday use, so that more patients with symptoms are tested sooner.”
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Ordering is now simpler for GPs
From a hand-filled form to in-workflow ordering
Until now, GPs using Bp Premier had to download the ColoSTAT® request form and fill it in by hand. They can now order within their usual clinical workflow.
The change removes a step for the GP and supports routine use of the test in everyday practice. Patients need a GP to order ColoSTAT®, so GPs are the gateway to patients.
Platform reach
Bp Premier is used by an estimated 80% of Australian general practices, the most of any GP software platform. Together with MedicalDirector, the two platforms are estimated to cover 95% of practices.
Rhythm is working to add other GP software platforms.
| Platform | Estimated practice share | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bp Premier | c. 80% | Orderable now |
| MedicalDirector | n/a | Live since 1 August 2026 |
| Bp Premier and MedicalDirector combined | c. 95% | Both orderable |
What a blood-based triage test means for GPs and patients
Colorectal cancer (CRC), also referred to as bowel cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer deaths globally. If diagnosed early, colorectal cancer can often be cured.
ColoSTAT® is Rhythm’s simple blood-based test for the detection of CRC. It measures five specific protein biomarkers that indicate the likelihood of CRC, and is intended for individuals with symptoms associated with CRC.
The test is based on research from Australia’s CSIRO and is patent protected internationally. According to the company, it has the potential to play a key role in reducing the mortality rate and healthcare costs associated with colorectal cancer.
For investors, a test that slots into the routine GP workflow supports uptake. Dr Atkins noted that “One of the key requirements for the successful introduction and adoption of any new test is the ease of which that test can be integrated into a GP’s routine workflow…”
Investors exploring the funding question behind wider adoption can read our full explainer on the ColoSTAT hospital savings study, which sets out the modelled colonoscopy reductions and why the estimates depend on Medicare funding Rhythm does not yet have.
130+ collection sites widen patient access
A patient needs a collection site nearby to have the test, so each new site widens access. More than 130 sites are now live across the eastern states through 4Cyte Pathology.
The 4Cyte Pathology partnership was structured with no upfront costs or minimum volumes, giving Rhythm access to more than 1,000 potential collection centres without capital investment in infrastructure.
Recent additions include:
- Regional Victoria and Greater Melbourne
- The Illawarra, Southern Tablelands and Northern Rivers regions of New South Wales
- The Moreton Bay and Gold Coast hinterland in Queensland
Each was chosen to reach a large catchment or an area of high potential demand. Rhythm will continue to activate further sites.
What happens next for Rhythm: driving GP uptake
With ordering and collection now in place, Rhythm’s priority is driving uptake of the test among GPs. The source outlines the following next steps, none of which carries a stated date:
- GP uptake push: Rhythm plans digital marketing, conferences and direct contact with clinicians.
- Collection sites: Rhythm will continue to activate further sites.
- GP software platforms: Rhythm is working to add other platforms.
- Market updates: Rhythm will update the market as uptake progresses.
The emphasis has moved from building access to turning that access into everyday use of ColoSTAT® in GP clinics.
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