Diagnostic Stool Testing
Gastrointestinal (GI) concerns are among the most common reasons patients seek medical care. Symptoms often include persistent diarrhea, constipation, bloating, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, and malabsorption.
A Comprehensive Stool Analysis helps evaluate digestive health, nutrient absorption, gut bacteria balance, and the presence of harmful pathogens. It can also monitor how well treatments are working. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for certain bacteria and fungi is included at no additional charge.
This test is useful for:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Autoimmune diseases
- Joint pain
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- General inflammation
- Food sensitivities
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis
What the Comprehensive Stool Analysis Evaluates
1. Gut Bacteria Balance
This test measures levels of beneficial bacteria and identifies imbalances or harmful microbes, including:
- Commensal bacteria (such as Clostridium species)
- Pathogenic bacteria
- Yeast or fungi
When harmful organisms are identified, susceptibility testing helps guide the best pharmaceutical or natural treatment options.
2. Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
The test provides key markers that show how well the digestive system is breaking down and absorbing food. These include:
- Elastase (pancreatic enzyme levels)
- Fats
- Muscle fibers
- Vegetable fibers
- Carbohydrates
- Low levels or abnormalities may suggest poor digestion or malabsorption.
3. Inflammation and Gut Barrier Function
Inflammation can weaken the intestinal lining and increase intestinal permeability. Several biomarkers help identify and monitor inflammation:
- Lysozyme
- Lactoferrin
- White blood cells
- Mucus
These markers help distinguish between:
- IBD, which often requires long-term medical treatment
- IBS, which is usually less severe and may relate to infection or pathogen exposure
Lactoferrin is especially helpful because it becomes elevated during active IBD flare-ups, but not with IBS.
4. Immune Response in the GI Tract
Most of the body’s secretory IgA (sIgA) is found in the digestive tract. This antibody helps prevent pathogens from binding to the intestinal lining. Measuring sIgA levels provides insight into the gut’s immune defense.
Why These Markers Matter
Healthy digestion includes:
- Proper breakdown of food
- Efficient absorption of nutrients
- Protection against pathogens
- Regular elimination of waste
When digestion or absorption is impaired, it may lead to:
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Compromised immune function
- Increased inflammation
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Systemic illness
- “Leaky gut” or increased intestinal permeability
Common causes of digestive dysfunction include:
- Low stomach acid
- Chronic maldigestion
- Food allergens
- Bacterial overgrowth or imbalance (dysbiosis)
- Pathogenic bacteria, yeast, or parasites
- Long-term NSAID or antibiotic use
A guided treatment plan may include:
- Removing pathogens or irritants
- Supporting digestion with stomach acid or enzyme supplements
- Using prebiotics and probiotics
- Repairing the mucosal barrier
- Parasitology Testing
Please note:
The standard Comprehensive Stool Analysis does not include parasite testing.
For a full evaluation that includes parasites, choose the Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology.