The DiagnosTechs Gastrointestinal (GI) Health Panels are non-invasive screening tests of the GI system and its
function. They include 15-22 individual, yet related, tests. Stool and saliva samples are submitted after convenient at-home
collection. The GI Health Panels combine pathogen testing, inflammatory markers and other lab measures of possible
disease or dysfunction for a comprehensive evaluation of GI health.
Gastrointestinal Health :
Maintaining a healthy GI system is essential to overall good health. GI infections and inflammation can lead to a wide range
of symptoms and decrease the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Although found more commonly in developing countries,
parasites and pathogenic bacteria are a cause of GI symptoms in millions of people in the United States as well.
Noninvasive testing information
Rapid, Accurate and Thorough
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 9.4 million episodes of foodborne illness, caused by 31
major known pathogens occur in the United States each year. Determining the specific organism that is causing an infection
is essential for appropriate treatment. The Diagnos-Techs GI Health Panels are far more comprehensive than most laboratory
GI panels, testing for more pathogens to ensure proper diagnosis.
To ensure high sensitivity and specificity of detection, DiagnosTechs employs state-of-the-art equipment capable of
identifying over 4,000 specific microorganisms—100 times more than standard laboratories are able to identify. This
equipment is found primarily in advanced reference laboratories and provides extremely rapid and accurate results.
The Gastrointestinal (GI) Health Panels may be helpful for individuals with:
•Heartburn or GERD
• Chronic or vague abdominal pain or discomfort
• Gas or bloating
• Weight changes
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Irritable bowel
• Abdominal cramping
• Food sensitivities
The GI-1 panel screens for:
• Bacteria - to look for infectious organisms and to help evaluate the
balance of “good and bad” bacteria in the gut
• Yeast - to identify overgrowth of yeast (including Candida) that may be
associated with GI symptoms
• Parasites - including microscopic evaluation, antigen testing, and
immune markers of exposure
• Antibodies to gluten - to evaluate potential benefit of a gluten-free diet
• Digestive function markers - including digestive enzyme chymotrypsin
and stool pH
• Markers of intestinal inflammation and mucosal immune function -
including total instestinal sIgA
• Fecal occult blood - to screen for GI bleeding
Mode of Transmission and Risk Factors:
The predominant method of transmission of parasites is the fecal-oral
route. This can occur through hand contact with infected patients or via
contaminated water, soil or food. Many parasites are highly transmissible
within a household environment. All family members should be tested if one
member is positive for GI infection.
People with suppressed immunity are at risk for longer and more serious GI
infections. Patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer are very susceptible to
parasitic infections. Medications commonly used for autoimmune conditions,
such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also lead to a higher risk of infections.
Frequent or excessive antibiotic use can render the GI tract more susceptible
to chronic overgrowth of harmful microorganisms.
