Ordering the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis | CDSA | Canada
The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis helps identify specific digestive imbalances, including bacteria, yeast, and markers of inflammation, which can affect how your body absorbs nutrients and breaks down food. Interestingly, this test can also detect beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme linked to how your body processes toxins and hormones, which is not commonly checked in standard stool tests.
Ordering this test provides several specific benefits:
- Detects hidden bacterial or yeast overgrowth that may not show up in routine stool tests
- Measures digestive enzyme levels to pinpoint issues with breaking down fats, proteins, or carbohydrates
- Assesses inflammation markers to help identify gut irritation or early signs of inflammatory bowel conditions
- Evaluates short-chain fatty acids, which are important for gut lining health and immune function
- Checks for the presence of blood, mucus, or abnormal pH, which can signal underlying digestive problems
Who Should Consider Digestive Function and Microbiome Testing
People who experience ongoing bloating, unpredictable bowel movements, or unexplained stomach discomfort after eating may benefit from this test. For example, someone who has tried eliminating foods like gluten or dairy but still struggles with gas and loose stools could use this test to uncover hidden digestive issues.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Frequent constipation or diarrhea that does not improve with dietary changes
- Long-term use of antibiotics followed by new digestive symptoms
- Unexplained nutrient deficiencies, such as low iron or vitamin B12, despite a balanced diet
- Family history of digestive conditions like Crohn’s or colitis with new symptoms appearing
- Unexpected skin rashes or joint pain that seem to flare up after certain meals
This test is recommended for those who want to identify the root cause of digestive symptoms, such as abnormal bacteria, yeast, or inflammation, and to guide targeted changes in diet or supplements. Delaying this test could mean missing early signs of gut imbalances, which may become harder to address if left unchecked.
How to Prepare for Digestive Stool Analysis
Fasting is not required for this stool test, but you may need to avoid certain foods or supplements as directed in your kit instructions. Always follow the specific steps and timing provided by your doctor or healthcare practitioner to make sure your sample is collected correctly and your results are as useful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Marker Means | Low and High Levels of This Marker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetate % | 50-70 | 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 excess fermentation or bacterial imbalance.
Low levels mean reduced beneficial bacteria or poor fiber breakdown. |
| Bacteriology Culture, aerobic | No pathogenic growth | This test checks for harmful bacteria that grow in oxygen. It helps find infections or imbalances in the gut. | High levels mean possible infection or overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
Low levels mean normal or no harmful bacteria detected. |
| Bacteriology Culture, aerobic x 3 | No pathogenic growth | Multiple aerobic cultures increase the chance of finding bacteria that may be missed in a single sample. | High levels mean repeated detection of harmful bacteria.
Low levels mean no harmful bacteria found in repeated samples. |
| Bacteriology Culture, anaerobic | No pathogenic growth | This test looks for bacteria that grow without oxygen, which can cause gut infections or imbalances. | High levels mean possible overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria.
Low levels mean normal or no harmful anaerobic bacteria detected. |
| Beneficial SCFAs | >10 | Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are made by good gut bacteria and help protect the gut lining and support immune function. | High levels mean increased fiber fermentation or rapid transit.
Low levels mean low beneficial bacteria or poor fiber intake. |
| Beta-Glucuronidase | <3500 | This enzyme is made by gut bacteria and affects how the body processes toxins and hormones. | High levels mean increased risk of toxin or hormone reabsorption.
Low levels mean less enzyme activity, which may affect hormone balance. |
| Cholesterol | <0.5 | Cholesterol in stool can show how well fats are digested and absorbed in the gut. | High levels mean poor fat absorption or bile issues.
Low levels mean normal fat digestion and absorption. |
| Chymotrypsin | >6 | Chymotrypsin is a digestive enzyme that helps break down proteins in food. | High levels mean rapid transit or enzyme supplementation.
Low levels mean poor protein digestion or pancreatic issues. |
| Color | Brown | Stool color can show how well bile is flowing and if there are any digestive problems. | High (unusual colors) mean possible bile or liver issues.
Low (normal brown) means typical digestion. |
| Fecal Lactoferrin | <7.25 | Lactoferrin is a protein that rises when there is inflammation in the gut, often seen in colitis or Crohn’s. | High levels mean active gut inflammation.
Low levels mean no or minimal inflammation. |
| Long Chain Fatty Acids | <4 | These fats in stool show how well the body is absorbing dietary fats. | High levels mean fat malabsorption or pancreatic issues.
Low levels mean normal fat absorption. |
| Meat Fibers and Vegetable Fibers | None to rare | Undigested fibers in stool can show how well the body breaks down food. | High levels mean poor digestion or rapid transit.
Low levels mean normal digestion. |
| Mucus | Absent | Mucus in stool can be a sign of irritation or inflammation in the gut lining. | High levels mean possible gut irritation or infection.
Low levels mean no irritation detected. |
| Occult Blood | Negative | This checks for hidden blood in stool, which can be a sign of bleeding or inflammation in the gut. | High levels mean possible bleeding or inflammation.
Low levels mean no hidden blood detected. |
| Phospholipids | <0.5 | Phospholipids are fats that help build cell membranes and show how well fats are digested. | High levels mean fat digestion or absorption problems.
Low levels mean normal fat processing. |
| Propionate % | 15-25 | Propionate is a short-chain fatty acid made by gut bacteria and helps regulate blood sugar and gut health. | High levels mean increased fermentation or rapid transit.
Low levels mean low fiber intake or reduced beneficial bacteria. |
| Putrefactive SCFAs | <1 | These are short-chain fatty acids made from protein breakdown, which can show if there is too much protein fermentation in the gut. | High levels mean excess protein fermentation or slow transit.
Low levels mean normal protein digestion. |
| Total Fecal Fat | <6 | This measures all the fat in stool to check for fat malabsorption or digestive problems. | High levels mean fat malabsorption or pancreatic issues.
Low levels mean normal fat absorption. |
| Triglycerides | <1 | Triglycerides are fats found in stool that show how well the body digests and absorbs dietary fat. | High levels mean poor fat digestion or absorption.
Low levels mean normal fat processing. |
| Yeast Culture | No yeast or rare | This test checks for yeast, such as Candida, which can cause digestive symptoms if overgrown. | High levels mean possible yeast overgrowth.
Low levels mean no or minimal yeast present. |
| n-Butyrate % | 10-20 | Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that supports gut lining repair and helps reduce inflammation. | High levels mean increased fiber fermentation or rapid transit.
Low levels mean low beneficial bacteria or poor fiber intake. |
| pH | 6.0-7.2 | Stool pH shows the balance of bacteria and how well food is being digested in the gut. | High levels mean possible bacterial imbalance or low fiber.
Low levels mean increased fermentation or high fiber intake. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods and guidelines.
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis FAQ
Is there Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis 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 unpredictable digestive symptoms, having a convenient collection option makes it easier to get tested without added stress or travel.
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 quickly identify the source of digestive symptoms, so you can start targeted treatment sooner.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended every 6-12 months, especially if you are making changes to your diet or treatment plan. Regular testing helps track progress and catch any new imbalances before they become more severe.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses advanced culture, PCR, and enzyme-based methods to detect bacteria, yeast, and digestive markers, with a specificity of 98% and sensitivity of 96%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- This kit cannot be mailed or collected in New York State.
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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