Ordering the Comprehensive Stool Analysis | Doctor’s Data
The Comprehensive Stool Analysis from Doctor’s Data helps identify digestive and absorption issues, imbalances in gut bacteria, and markers of inflammation. This test can reveal specific problems such as poor fat breakdown, hidden blood, or the presence of harmful bacteria and yeast. Interestingly, this analysis can also detect subtle changes in short-chain fatty acids, which are linked to how well your gut supports your immune system.
Ordering this test can help you:
- Pinpoint digestive enzyme shortages, like low elastase, that may cause bloating or loose stools
- Detect hidden inflammation by measuring calprotectin and lactoferrin
- Identify overgrowth of yeast or harmful bacteria that may be missed by standard tests
- Check for blood in the stool that is not visible to the eye
- Assess how well your body breaks down and absorbs fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
Who Should Consider Digestive and Gut Health Testing
People who have ongoing stomach pain, frequent changes in bowel movements, or unexplained tiredness may benefit from this type of testing. For example, someone who has tried different diets and still struggles with stomach cramps and irregular stools might find answers through this test.
Ordering this test may also be helpful if you:
- Have frequent loose stools or constipation that does not improve with simple changes
- Notice mucus or blood in your stool without a clear reason
- Experience ongoing bloating or gas after eating common foods
- Have a family history of digestive conditions and want to check for early signs
- Recently traveled and developed new stomach symptoms that have not gone away
This test can help you find out if your gut is not breaking down food properly, if there is hidden inflammation, or if there are harmful germs present. Delaying this test could mean missing early signs of problems that are easier to address when found sooner.
How to Prepare for Digestive Function and Microbiome Testing
Fasting is not required for this test, but you should follow the specific instructions provided in your test kit for the best results. Make sure to carefully read and follow any directions from your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure your sample is collected and handled correctly.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Comprehensive Stool Analysis | Doctor’s Data
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Marker Shows | Low and High Levels of This Marker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetate | 30-60 | Acetate is a short-chain fatty acid made by gut bacteria. It helps keep the gut lining healthy and supports energy production. | High levels mean there may be too much fermentation of fiber or an imbalance in gut bacteria.
Low levels mean your gut bacteria may not be making enough short-chain fatty acids for gut support. |
| Additional pathogens culture | None detected | This checks for harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can cause stomach upset or infection. | High levels mean a possible infection with a harmful germ.
Low levels mean no harmful germs were found in the sample. |
| Bacteriology culture, aerobic | No pathogens detected | This test looks for bacteria that grow in oxygen and can cause digestive symptoms if present in high amounts. | High levels mean there may be an overgrowth of certain bacteria linked to symptoms.
Low levels mean normal or low amounts of these bacteria were found. |
| Butyrate | 10-30 | Butyrate is a fatty acid made by gut bacteria that helps protect the gut lining and reduce inflammation. | High levels mean increased fermentation or changes in gut bacteria.
Low levels mean less support for gut lining and possible inflammation risk. |
| Calprotectin | <50 | Calprotectin is a protein that shows if there is inflammation in the gut, often linked to digestive conditions. | High levels mean active inflammation in the digestive tract.
Low levels mean little or no inflammation is present. |
| Carbohydrates | Negative | This checks for undigested sugars in the stool, which can show problems with breaking down or absorbing carbohydrates. | High levels mean poor digestion or absorption of sugars.
Low levels mean sugars are being digested and absorbed well. |
| Elastase | >200 | Elastase is an enzyme made by the pancreas that helps break down proteins. It shows how well the pancreas is working. | High levels mean normal or good enzyme production.
Low levels mean the pancreas may not be making enough enzymes for digestion. |
| Fat Stain | Negative | This test checks for undigested fat in the stool, which can show problems with fat breakdown or absorption. | High levels mean fat is not being digested or absorbed well.
Low levels mean fat digestion and absorption are normal. |
| Lactoferrin | <7.3 | Lactoferrin is a protein that increases when there is inflammation in the gut, often linked to infection or digestive conditions. | High levels mean active inflammation or infection in the gut.
Low levels mean little or no inflammation is present. |
| Lysozyme | <600 | Lysozyme is an enzyme that rises with certain types of gut inflammation, especially in the colon. | High levels mean possible inflammation in the colon.
Low levels mean no sign of this type of inflammation. |
| Mucus | Negative | Mucus in stool can be a sign of irritation or inflammation in the digestive tract. | High levels mean irritation or inflammation may be present.
Low levels mean no extra mucus was found. |
| Muscle Fibers | Negative | This checks for undigested muscle fibers, which can show problems with breaking down protein in food. | High levels mean protein is not being digested well.
Low levels mean protein digestion is normal. |
| Occult Blood | Negative | This test checks for hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract. | High levels mean there may be bleeding in the gut.
Low levels mean no hidden blood was found. |
| Propionate | 10-20 | Propionate is a short-chain fatty acid made by gut bacteria that helps with energy and gut balance. | High levels mean increased fermentation or changes in gut bacteria.
Low levels mean less support for gut energy and balance. |
| Red Blood Cells | None seen | Red blood cells in stool can show bleeding or injury in the digestive tract. | High levels mean possible bleeding in the gut.
Low levels mean no red blood cells were found. |
| Valerate | 1-3 | Valerate is a short-chain fatty acid that helps with gut balance and is made by certain bacteria. | High levels mean changes in gut bacteria or increased fermentation.
Low levels mean less support for gut balance. |
| Vegetable Fibers | Negative | This checks for undigested plant fibers, which can show how well your body breaks down vegetables. | High levels mean poor breakdown of plant fibers.
Low levels mean normal digestion of plant fibers. |
| White Blood Cells | None seen | White blood cells in stool can show infection or inflammation in the gut. | High levels mean possible infection or inflammation.
Low levels mean no white blood cells were found. |
| Yeast culture | None detected | This test checks for yeast overgrowth, which can cause digestive symptoms if present in high amounts. | High levels mean possible yeast overgrowth in the gut.
Low levels mean no yeast was found. |
| Ph | 6.0-7.5 | This measures how acidic or alkaline the stool is, which can show changes in digestion or gut bacteria. | High levels mean the stool is more alkaline, which can be linked to certain bacteria or diet.
Low levels mean the stool is more acidic, which can be linked to fermentation or poor absorption. |
| sIgA | 510-2040 | sIgA is an immune protein in the gut that helps protect against germs and supports gut immunity. | High levels mean the immune system is reacting to something in the gut.
Low levels mean less immune protection in the gut. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods and guidelines.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis FAQ
Is there Comprehensive Stool Analysis testing near me?
This is a test kit you can use at home, and you can drop off your sample at a local draw location listed on the site. For people with ongoing stomach issues, having a nearby drop-off spot makes it easier to collect and send your sample quickly, so you don’t have to wait for answers.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your doctor should review your results, you can also use our one-on-one test results review service with our clinical team for a clear explanation and next steps.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see includes shipping the kit to you and sending your sample back to the lab, but draw site fees may apply. Ordering this test can help you find the cause of ongoing digestive symptoms and get the right treatment sooner.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended every 6-12 months, especially if you are tracking changes after treatment or new symptoms appear. Regular testing helps you see if your gut is improving or if new issues are starting.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses culture, enzyme immunoassay, and PCR methods for detecting bacteria, yeast, and inflammation markers, with a specificity of 98% and sensitivity of 97%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- The test kit cannot be mailed or collected in New York. Contact us with questions.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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