Ordering the GI Pathogens Profile, PCR
The GI Pathogens Profile, PCR by Doctor’s Data helps detect a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause digestive symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. This test uses advanced PCR technology to identify the genetic material of pathogens in a stool sample, making it possible to pinpoint the exact cause of symptoms quickly. Interestingly, this test can also detect infections that may not show up in traditional stool cultures, helping to catch hidden or hard-to-find causes of digestive problems.
Ordering this test can help you and your healthcare provider get clear answers about what’s causing your symptoms. Here are some specific benefits of ordering the GI Pathogens Profile, PCR:
- Identifies multiple types of bacteria, viruses, and parasites in one test
- Helps guide targeted treatment by showing exactly which pathogens are present
- Reduces the need for multiple separate tests
- Can detect infections even if you have already started antibiotics
- Provides results quickly, usually within 5-7 business days
Who Should Consider Digestive Pathogen Screening
People who have been dealing with ongoing stomach pain, diarrhea, or bloating after a recent trip or after eating at a new restaurant may benefit from this test. For example, someone who recently returned from traveling and started having sudden stomach cramps and loose stools could use this test to find out if a specific infection is the cause.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Someone with unexplained fatigue and mild fever after a family member had a stomach bug
- A person with a weakened immune system who develops new digestive symptoms
- Someone who works in childcare or healthcare and is exposed to frequent stomach illnesses
- A person with diabetes or chronic kidney disease who notices changes in bowel habits
- Someone who has recently started a new medication and develops diarrhea, as some medications can make the gut more sensitive to infections
This test can help pinpoint the exact cause of symptoms like diarrhea, cramps, or nausea, so your healthcare provider can recommend the right treatment. Delaying this test could mean a longer time before finding the cause, which may lead to ongoing symptoms or unnecessary treatments. To get clear answers and targeted care, consider ordering this test when symptoms persist or return.
Preparing for Digestive Infection Testing
Fasting is not required for this test, but you should follow the instructions provided in your test kit for collecting the stool sample. 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 GI Pathogens Profile, PCR
| Test Name | Reference Range | Significance | Low and High Levels of GI Pathogens Profile, PCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viruses | |||
| Adenovirus F40 & 41 | Not detected | Adenovirus F40 & 41 can cause diarrhea, especially in children, and are spread through contaminated food or water. Detection helps identify viral causes of stomach upset. | High levels mean an active adenovirus infection is present.
Low levels mean no adenovirus infection detected. |
| Norovirus GI & GII | Not detected | Norovirus is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis, leading to sudden vomiting and diarrhea. It spreads easily in group settings and can cause outbreaks. | High levels mean a norovirus infection is likely causing symptoms.
Low levels mean norovirus is not present. |
| Rotavirus A | Not detected | Rotavirus A is a leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children. Detection helps guide care and prevent spread in group settings. | High levels mean a current rotavirus infection.
Low levels mean no rotavirus detected. |
| Bacteria | |||
| Campylobacter (jejuni, coli, upsaliensis) | Not detected | Campylobacter species are common causes of bacterial diarrhea, often linked to undercooked poultry or contaminated water. Detection helps guide antibiotic treatment if needed. | High levels mean a Campylobacter infection is present.
Low levels mean no Campylobacter detected. |
| Clostridium difficile (Toxin A & B) | Not detected | Clostridium difficile can cause severe diarrhea, especially after antibiotic use. Detecting toxins A & B helps confirm if this bacteria is causing symptoms. | High levels mean an active C. difficile infection.
Low levels mean no C. difficile toxins found. |
| E. coli O157 | Not detected | E. coli O157 is a dangerous strain that can cause bloody diarrhea and kidney problems. Early detection is important for proper care and preventing complications. | High levels mean E. coli O157 is present and may cause severe symptoms.
Low levels mean no E. coli O157 detected. |
| Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) lt & st | Not detected | ETEC is a common cause of traveler’s diarrhea, producing toxins that lead to watery stools. Detection helps guide supportive care and prevention steps. | High levels mean ETEC is present and likely causing diarrhea.
Low levels mean no ETEC detected. |
| Shiga-like toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) stx1 & stx2 | Not detected | STEC strains can cause severe illness, including bloody diarrhea and kidney damage. Identifying these toxins helps prevent complications and guide treatment. | High levels mean STEC infection is present.
Low levels mean no STEC detected. |
| Salmonella | Not detected | Salmonella is a common cause of foodborne illness, leading to diarrhea, fever, and cramps. Detection helps prevent spread and guides care. | High levels mean a Salmonella infection is present.
Low levels mean no Salmonella detected. |
| Shigella (S. boydii, S. sonnei, S. flexneri, S. dysenteriae) | Not detected | Shigella species cause dysentery, with symptoms like bloody diarrhea and stomach pain. Early detection helps prevent outbreaks and guides treatment. | High levels mean a Shigella infection is present.
Low levels mean no Shigella detected. |
| Vibrio cholerae | Not detected | Vibrio cholerae causes cholera, a severe diarrheal illness often linked to contaminated water. Detection is important for quick treatment and public health response. | High levels mean a Vibrio cholerae infection is present.
Low levels mean no Vibrio cholerae detected. |
| Parasites | |||
| Cryptosporidium | Not detected | Cryptosporidium is a parasite that causes watery diarrhea, often from contaminated water. Detection helps guide treatment and prevent spread, especially in group settings. | High levels mean a Cryptosporidium infection is present.
Low levels mean no Cryptosporidium detected. |
| Entamoeba histolytica | Not detected | Entamoeba histolytica can cause amebic dysentery, with symptoms like bloody stools and abdominal pain. Early detection helps prevent complications and guides treatment. | High levels mean an Entamoeba histolytica infection is present.
Low levels mean no Entamoeba histolytica detected. |
| Giardia duodenalis | Not detected | Giardia duodenalis is a parasite that causes giardiasis, leading to diarrhea, bloating, and stomach cramps. Detection helps guide treatment and prevent further spread. | High levels mean a Giardia infection is present.
Low levels mean no Giardia detected. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods and guidelines. Always check your report for the most current information.
GI Pathogens Profile, PCR FAQ
Is there GI Pathogens Profile, PCR testing near me?
This is a test kit that you can collect at home and drop off locally; check the draw location link at the top of the page. For those dealing with ongoing diarrhea or stomach pain, having a nearby collection site makes it easier to get tested quickly and start finding answers.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should always review your results, you can also use our one-on-one test results review service with our clinical team for extra support and clear explanations.
What is the cost of the test?
The price listed for this test includes standard shipping to you and return shipping to the lab; draw fees may apply. Ordering this test can help you quickly identify the cause of symptoms like diarrhea or stomach pain, so you can start the right treatment sooner.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended if symptoms return or if you have a new exposure, such as after travel or a suspected outbreak. Repeating the test can help confirm that an infection has cleared or catch new infections early.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses multiplex PCR, a method that detects the genetic material of pathogens with high precision. The specificity is 99% and sensitivity is 98%, making it highly effective for finding the exact cause of digestive symptoms. 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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