Description
The Comprehensive Stool Analysis with PCR evaluates the status of beneficial bacteria, imbalanced commensal bacteria, pathogenic bacteria and yeasts. If pathogenic cultures are identified, a sensitivity panel is provided to facilitate the selection of pharmaceutical or natural treatment agents. The efficiency of digestion and absorption is measured via faecal elastase, fat, carbohydrate, muscle and vegetable fibres whilst the biomarkers of calprotectin, lysozyme, lactoferrin, white blood cells and mucous can be used to assess inflammation. This can help to differentiate inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from that noted in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Humoral immune status of the gut is measured by secretory IgA (sIgA) while the assessment of short-chain fatty acids reflects overall gut health and microbiome balance. This profile is indicated for gastrointestinal symptoms, autoimmune disease, joint pain, IBD, IBS, inflammation, food sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies and skin conditions.
Methodology
The test is broken down into different sections:
GI Pathogens measured by multiplex PCR.
Microscopy of yeasts.
Microscopy of red and white blood cells, muscle fibres, vegetable fibres, pollen and Charcot-Leyden Crystals.
Culturing of commensal and pathogenic bacteria
Macroscopic assessment of stool colour, consistency and presence/ absence of mucus.
Elastase and Calprotectin - Turbidimetric Immunoassay
Lactoferrin, Lysozyme, sIgA - Elisa
Carbohydrates – Colormetric
Fat Stain – Sudan IV
SCFA – Gas Chromatography
Beta Glucuronidase - Quantitative endpoint enzymatic (RUO)
Occult Blood – Guaiac
Stool pH - ISE
When should I use
This profile is indicated for gastrointestinal symptoms, autoimmune disease, joint pain, IBD, IBS, inflammation, food sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies and skin conditions.
When testing budget is limited, and parasitic infection is not suspected, this provides a lower price point than the GI360.
Other Details
Other tests to consider include:
H pylori and zonulin are available as individual add ons: H. Pylori Antigen Add on (code CMI20A0). Zonulin (Addon Stool) (code CMI45)
You could also consider Comprehensive Stool Analysis with PCR+ Parasitology (code CMI04) if parasitic infection is suspected.
GI360 Complete (code DD003) is a more comprehensive option as this also includes PCR microbiome assessment and a dysbiosis index as well as parasitology or GI360 Complete + Zonulin + H Pylori (code DD005) is available, if required.
