This test evaluates the status of beneficial bacteria, imbalanced commensal bacteria, pathogenic bacteria, parasites 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.
When To Order This Test:
If you suffer with gastrointestinal symptoms, IBS, IBD or SIBO.
If you suffer with autoimmunity, joint pain, inflammation, food sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies or skin conditions.
Considerations:
Please discontinue use of NSAIDs and aspirin 2 days before test if possible.
Avoid probiotics 2-4 weeks before test
Discontinue use of antacids and bismuth 2-14 days before test if possible
Avoid bentonite clay, activated charcoal, betaine HCL, digestive enzymes, laxatives, castor oil, enemas and rectal suppositories 2-4 days before testing
Avoid antifungals, antibiotics and antiparasitics for 2 weeks before testing
Please do not complete this test on a child under the age of 2.
Analytes:
Acetate
Additional pathogens culture
Bacteriology culture: aerobic
Butyrate
Calprotectin
Carbohydrates
Cryptosporidium
Elastase
Fat stain
GI Pathogens; Multiplex PCR
Giardia lamblia
Lactoferrin
Lysozyme
Mucus
Muscle Fibers
Occult blood
Parasitology (3 day collection)
pH
Proprionate
Red blood cells
Secretory IgA
Total SCFA's
Valerate
Vegetable fibers
White blood cells
Yeast culture
