Ordering the Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology | Great Plains Labs | Canada
The Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology helps identify imbalances in gut bacteria, yeast, and parasites that may be linked to digestive problems, skin issues, and mood changes. This test also checks for markers of inflammation, immune response, and how well your body absorbs nutrients. Interestingly, this test can also detect hidden blood in the stool, which may not be visible but can signal irritation or inflammation in the digestive tract.
Ordering this test can help you:
- Pinpoint specific bacteria, yeast, or parasites that may be causing symptoms
- Check for signs of inflammation in the digestive system
- See how well your body is breaking down and absorbing food
- Find out if your gut has enough helpful bacteria
- Get information on which treatments may work best for any imbalances found
Who Should Consider Digestive and Microbiome Testing
People who have ongoing stomach pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits may benefit from this test. For example, someone who has tried different diets and probiotics but still feels tired, foggy, or has skin breakouts might find answers by checking for hidden gut imbalances.
Ordering this test may also be helpful if you:
- Have frequent diarrhea or constipation that does not improve with simple changes
- Notice unexplained weight changes or trouble absorbing nutrients
- Experience food intolerances or sensitivities, especially to gluten or dairy
- Deal with ongoing fatigue, mood swings, or trouble focusing
- Have skin rashes or itching that do not respond to usual treatments, which can sometimes be linked to gut issues
Testing for gut imbalances can help you find the cause of symptoms like bloating, brain fog, or skin problems by showing if there are harmful bacteria, yeast, or parasites present. Delaying this test could mean missing the chance to address these issues early, which may allow symptoms to continue or get worse.
How to Prepare for Digestive Pathogen and Microbiome Screening
Fasting is not required for this stool test, but you should follow the collection instructions provided in your kit for the best results. Always go by any specific directions from your doctor or healthcare provider to make sure your sample is collected and shipped correctly.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Marker Means | Low and High Levels of Marker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial Culture | |||
| Imbalanced & Dysbiotic Bacteria (73 species) | None detected | Checks for harmful bacteria that can upset digestion and cause symptoms like bloating or diarrhea. Detects if there are bacteria that should not be present in large amounts. | High levels mean there may be an overgrowth of harmful bacteria causing digestive symptoms.
Low levels mean no significant overgrowth detected. |
| Beneficial Bacteria (4 species) | Within lab-specific range | Measures the amount of helpful bacteria that support digestion and protect against harmful microbes. | High levels mean a strong presence of good bacteria.
Low levels mean reduced protection and possible gut imbalance. |
| Yeast and Fungal Culture | |||
| Yeast & Fungal Species (48 species) | None detected | Looks for yeast and fungi that can cause symptoms like gas, bloating, or skin issues if present in high amounts. | High levels mean possible yeast or fungal overgrowth.
Low levels mean no significant yeast or fungal presence. |
| Yeast (Microscopy) | None seen | Checks for visible yeast cells under a microscope, which can confirm overgrowth. | High levels mean visible yeast overgrowth.
Low levels mean no visible yeast detected. |
| GI Pathogens – Multiplex PCR | |||
| Viruses (Adenovirus F40/41, Norovirus GI/GII, Rotavirus A) | Not detected | Screens for viruses that can cause stomach flu symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea. | High levels mean a viral infection is present.
Low levels mean no viral infection detected. |
| Pathogenic Bacteria (Campylobacter, C. difficile, E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae) | Not detected | Detects harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, and stomach pain. | High levels mean a bacterial infection is present.
Low levels mean no infection detected. |
| Parasitology (Microscopy) | |||
| Parasites (22 species) | None detected | Checks for parasites that can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and nutrient loss. | High levels mean a parasite infection is present.
Low levels mean no parasites detected. |
| Digestion and Absorption Markers | |||
| Elastase | >200 | Shows how well the pancreas is making enzymes to help break down food. | High levels mean normal enzyme production.
Low levels mean possible pancreatic enzyme deficiency. |
| Fat Stain | Negative | Checks for undigested fat in stool, which can show problems with fat absorption. | High levels mean fat is not being absorbed well.
Low levels mean normal fat absorption. |
| Muscle Fibers | None to rare | Looks for undigested muscle fibers, which can show problems with protein digestion. | High levels mean poor protein digestion.
Low levels mean normal protein digestion. |
| Vegetable Fibers | None to rare | Checks for undigested plant fibers, which can show how well the body breaks down vegetables. | High levels mean incomplete digestion of plant foods.
Low levels mean normal digestion of plant fibers. |
| Carbohydrates | Negative | Shows if sugars and starches are being digested and absorbed properly. | High levels mean poor carbohydrate absorption.
Low levels mean normal carbohydrate digestion. |
| Inflammation Markers | |||
| Lysozyme | <600 | Measures inflammation in the gut lining, which can be linked to infection or irritation. | High levels mean active inflammation in the gut.
Low levels mean no significant inflammation. |
| Lactoferrin | <7.3 | Shows if there is inflammation, which can be caused by infection or immune response. | High levels mean possible infection or inflammation.
Low levels mean no active inflammation. |
| White Blood Cells | None seen | Checks for immune cells in stool, which can show infection or inflammation. | High levels mean infection or inflammation is present.
Low levels mean no infection or inflammation. |
| Mucus | None to rare | Looks for mucus, which can be a sign of irritation or inflammation in the gut. | High levels mean irritation or inflammation.
Low levels mean no mucus detected. |
| Immunology | |||
| Secretory Immunoglobulin A | 510-2040 | Shows how active the immune system is in the gut, helping to protect against infections. | High levels mean increased immune activity, possibly from infection or irritation.
Low levels mean reduced immune defense in the gut. |
| Short Chain Fatty Acids | |||
| Acetate | 30-75 | Produced by good bacteria, helps keep the gut lining healthy and supports digestion. | High levels mean increased fermentation by gut bacteria.
Low levels mean less support for gut lining and digestion. |
| Propionate | 9-25 | Another fatty acid from good bacteria, helps regulate gut function and energy use. | High levels mean more fermentation or changes in gut bacteria.
Low levels mean less energy support for gut cells. |
| Butyrate | 10-30 | Supports gut lining health and helps reduce inflammation. | High levels mean increased fermentation or changes in gut bacteria.
Low levels mean less support for gut lining and possible irritation. |
| Valerate | <5 | A minor fatty acid, helps balance gut bacteria and digestion. | High levels mean changes in gut bacteria or diet.
Low levels mean normal or low fermentation activity. |
| Intestinal Health Markers | |||
| Red Blood Cells | None seen | Checks for blood in the stool, which can signal irritation or injury in the gut. | High levels mean possible bleeding or irritation.
Low levels mean no blood detected. |
| pH | 6.0-7.8 | Shows the acidity of the stool, which can be affected by diet and gut bacteria. | High levels mean more alkaline stool, possibly from low fiber or high protein diet.
Low levels mean more acidic stool, often from high sugar or fermentation. |
| Occult Blood | Negative | Detects hidden blood in stool, which can be a sign of irritation or inflammation. | High levels mean hidden bleeding in the gut.
Low levels mean no hidden blood detected. |
| Yeast (Microscopy) | None seen | Confirms the presence of yeast cells in the stool sample. | High levels mean yeast overgrowth.
Low levels mean no yeast detected. |
| Yeast Sensitivity | |||
| Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Nystatin, Berberine, Caprylic Acid, Goldenseal, Oregano, Tanalbit, Undecylenic Acid, Uva Ursi | Sensitive/Resistant | Shows which treatments may work best against any yeast found in the sample. | High sensitivity means the yeast is likely to respond to treatment.
Low sensitivity means the yeast may not respond well to that treatment. |
| Bacterial Sensitivity | |||
| Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Augmentin, Ciprofloxacin, Trimeth-sulfa, Berberine, Black Walnut, Caprylic Acid, Cats Claw, Citrus Seed Extract, Goldenseal, Oregano, Uva Ursi | Sensitive/Resistant | Shows which treatments may work best against any bacteria found in the sample. | High sensitivity means the bacteria is likely to respond to treatment.
Low sensitivity means the bacteria may not respond well to that treatment. |
| Staphylococcus aureus Sensitivity | |||
| Benzypenicillin, Oxacillin, Tetracycline, Trimeth-sulfa, Vancomycin, Berberine, Black Walnut, Caprylic Acid, Cats Claw, Citrus Seed Extract, Goldenseal, Oregano, Uva Ursi | Sensitive/Resistant | Shows which treatments may work best against Staphylococcus aureus if found in the sample. | High sensitivity means the bacteria is likely to respond to treatment.
Low sensitivity means the bacteria may not respond well to that treatment. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods and guidelines.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology FAQ
Is there Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology testing near me?
This is a home test kit that you can collect locally, and you can check the draw location link at the top of the page for more details. For those dealing with ongoing digestive symptoms, having a convenient collection option means you can get answers without needing to travel or wait for a clinic appointment.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should review your results, we also offer a one-on-one test results review with our clinical team to help you understand your results and next steps.
What is the cost of the test?
The price listed for this test includes standard shipping to you and return shipping to the lab, but draw fees may apply. Ordering this test can help you address gut-related symptoms sooner, which may help you feel better faster.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended every 6-12 months, especially if you are monitoring changes in gut bacteria, yeast, or parasites after treatment. Regular testing helps track progress and guides any needed changes in your care plan.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses advanced PCR, culture, and microscopy methods to detect bacteria, yeast, parasites, and viruses, with a specificity of 98% and sensitivity of 95%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- This test can not be collected or mailed from New York State. 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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