Note: This is a home collection test kit that will be mailed to you.
Fasting Required: No
Specimen: Stool
Sample Collection: For 5 days prior to and during sample collection: Do not take mineral oils, non-absorbable anti-diarrheal preparations, busmuth, antacids, castor oil or liquid petrolatum. If you are taking any antibiotic, anti-parasitic, anti-malarial or anti-fungal medication, you must stop and wait 2 weeks before taking this test. If you have recently undergone any radiological exam involving barium sulfate you must wait at least 2 weeks before taking this test. Do not use bulk laxatives or enemas to assist bowel movements during the period in which you are collecting your samples. OTC glycerin rectal suppositories may be used.
Analytes Reported: Ova & Parasite (Trichrome stain), antibodies to the antigens of Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum, bacteria, fungi, yeast, occult blood, and H. pylori Antigen
Collection Requirements: 6 samples collected over 3 days and a fecal slide
Results: 10-14 Business Days
Description This stool analysis determines the presence of ova and parasites such as protozoa, flatworms, and roundworms; Cryptosporidium parvum, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia antigens; bacteria, fungi (including yeasts), and occult blood.. Sensitivity to pathogenic organisms will be reported as necessary. Causes for concern are both an overgrowth of microorganisms that are normally present in the intestines and the presence of microorganisms that are not normally present in the intestines. Either condition signals that major bodily pathways in the intestinal environment are outside normal limits.
Parasite infections in particular can be silent but destructive, continuing chronic stress on the infected individual 24/7 by raising cortisol levels and causing inflammation.
Helicobacter pylori infections are very prevalent and are often the cause of stomach ulcers, acid reflux, burping and belching and general upper GI distress as well as stomach cancer. While acute infections are often highly symptomatic, the body has amazing capability to adapt to infections that become long term, chronic in nature, and patients often have either very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Infections with Helicobacter pylori, especially deep seated ones, are often difficult to eradicate as it can develop resistance to commonly used antibiotics. It has also been reported that Helicobacter pylori can produce a toxin with the ability to disable the body’s immune response against it.
Note: Result turnaround times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.