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 bodys 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 microorganismsal100 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 intestinal 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.
