Ordering the Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology by Doctor’s Data
Ordering the Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology by Doctor’s Data helps identify the root causes of digestive problems, such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and unexplained nutrient deficiencies. This test checks for bacteria, yeast, parasites, and markers of inflammation, giving a clear picture of gut function and possible infections. Interestingly, this test can also detect hidden blood in the stool, which may point to inflammation or irritation in the digestive tract that often goes unnoticed.
When ordering this test, you can expect the following specific benefits:
- Pinpoints bacterial, yeast, and parasitic infections that may be missed by standard stool tests
- Measures digestive markers like elastase and fat stain to assess how well your body breaks down food
- Identifies inflammation with markers such as calprotectin and lactoferrin
- Evaluates the balance of beneficial and harmful gut bacteria
- Includes antimicrobial susceptibility testing to help guide treatment options
Who Should Consider Digestive and Parasitology Screening
People who have ongoing digestive discomfort, such as frequent bloating, loose stools, or trouble digesting certain foods, may benefit from this screening. For example, someone who has tried different diets and supplements for months but still experiences unpredictable stomach pain and gas could use this test to find out if an infection or imbalance is present.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Someone with a history of traveling to areas with unsafe water who now has ongoing digestive issues
- People with unexplained joint pain that seems to flare up after eating
- Those with skin rashes or eczema that do not improve with standard treatments
- Anyone with a family history of celiac or inflammatory bowel disease who has new digestive symptoms
- Someone who has frequent sinus infections and also experiences changes in bowel habits
This screening is recommended for those who want to identify specific causes of digestive symptoms, such as infections, inflammation, or poor nutrient absorption, so that targeted treatment can be started. Delaying this test may allow infections or imbalances to persist, which can make symptoms harder to resolve over time.
How to Prepare for Digestive Function and Parasitology Testing
Fasting is not required for this stool test, so you can eat and drink as usual before collecting your sample. Always follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected and handled correctly for the most useful results.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology by Doctor’s Data
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Marker Means | Low and High Levels of Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetate | 15-60 | Acetate is a short-chain fatty acid made by gut bacteria when they break down fiber. It helps keep the colon healthy and supports energy for colon cells. | High levels mean there may be too much fermentation or an overgrowth of certain bacteria.
Low levels mean there may be a lack of fiber or not enough healthy bacteria in the gut. |
| Additional pathogens culture | Negative | This checks for harmful bacteria and other germs not normally found in the gut. It helps find infections that may cause stomach pain or diarrhea. | High levels mean a possible infection with harmful bacteria.
Low levels mean no unusual or harmful bacteria were found. |
| Bacteriology culture, aerobic | Normal flora | This test looks for the types and amounts of bacteria that need oxygen to grow. It helps show if the balance of gut bacteria is healthy or not. | High levels mean an overgrowth of certain bacteria, which can cause symptoms.
Low levels mean a lack of normal, healthy bacteria. |
| Butyrate | 1.5-6.0 | Butyrate is a fatty acid made by gut bacteria that helps protect the colon lining and reduce inflammation. It is important for gut barrier strength. | High levels mean increased fermentation or changes in gut bacteria.
Low levels mean less protection for the colon and possible gut irritation. |
| Calprotectin | <50 | Calprotectin is a protein released during inflammation in the gut. It helps show if there is irritation or swelling in the digestive tract. | High levels mean active inflammation, which may be from infection or bowel disease.
Low levels mean little or no inflammation in the gut. |
| Carbohydrates | Negative | This checks for undigested sugars and starches in the stool. It helps show if the body is breaking down and absorbing carbs properly. | High levels mean poor digestion or absorption of carbs.
Low levels mean normal digestion and absorption of carbs. |
| Cryptosporidium | Negative | Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause watery diarrhea and stomach cramps. This test checks for its presence in the stool. | High levels mean an active infection with this parasite.
Low levels mean no infection with Cryptosporidium. |
| Elastase | >200 | Elastase is an enzyme made by the pancreas that helps digest proteins. It shows how well the pancreas is working. | High levels mean normal or increased enzyme output.
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. It helps show if the body is absorbing fat from food as it should. | High levels mean fat is not being absorbed well, which may point to digestive problems.
Low levels mean normal fat absorption. |
| Lactoferrin | <7.3 | Lactoferrin is a protein found when there is inflammation in the gut. It helps show if there is an active infection or bowel disease. | High levels mean inflammation, which may be from infection or bowel disease.
Low levels mean little or no inflammation in the gut. |
| Lysozyme | <600 | Lysozyme is an enzyme that increases when the gut is inflamed. It helps show if there is irritation or swelling in the digestive tract. | High levels mean active inflammation in the gut.
Low levels mean no or little inflammation. |
| Muscle Fibers | Negative | This checks for undigested muscle fibers in the stool. It helps show if the body is breaking down and absorbing protein from food. | High levels mean poor protein digestion or absorption.
Low levels mean normal protein digestion. |
| Occult Blood | Negative | This test checks for hidden blood in the stool. It can help find irritation, inflammation, or injury in the digestive tract. | High levels mean there may be bleeding or irritation in the gut.
Low levels mean no hidden blood was found. |
| Parasitology, concentrate & trichrome | Negative | This test looks for parasites and their eggs in the stool. It helps find infections that may cause diarrhea, cramps, or other digestive problems. | High levels mean a parasite infection is present.
Low levels mean no parasites were found. |
| Propionate | 3-12 | Propionate is a short-chain fatty acid made by gut bacteria. It helps with energy and supports a healthy gut lining. | High levels mean increased fermentation or changes in gut bacteria.
Low levels mean less energy for gut cells and possible imbalance in gut bacteria. |
| Pollen | Negative | This checks for pollen in the stool, which may show if food or environmental allergies are affecting digestion. | High levels mean possible exposure to allergens or food reactions.
Low levels mean no pollen was found. |
| Red Blood Cells | Negative | This test checks for red blood cells in the stool. It can help find bleeding or irritation in the digestive tract. | High levels mean there may be bleeding or injury in the gut.
Low levels mean no red blood cells were found. |
| Valerate | 0.5-2.0 | Valerate is a short-chain fatty acid made by gut bacteria. It helps support gut health and shows how well bacteria are breaking down fiber. | High levels mean increased fermentation or changes in gut bacteria.
Low levels mean less fiber breakdown or fewer healthy bacteria. |
| Vegetable Fiber | Negative | This checks for undigested plant fibers in the stool. It helps show if the body is breaking down and absorbing fiber from food. | High levels mean poor fiber digestion or fast transit time.
Low levels mean normal fiber digestion. |
| White Blood Cells | Negative | This test checks for white blood cells in the stool. It helps show if there is inflammation or infection in the digestive tract. | High levels mean inflammation or infection in the gut.
Low levels mean no white blood cells were found. |
| Yeast culture | None to rare | This test checks for yeast, such as Candida, in the stool. It helps show if there is an overgrowth that may cause digestive symptoms. | High levels mean a possible yeast overgrowth.
Low levels mean no or very little yeast present. |
| Ph | 6.0-7.8 | This measures how acidic or alkaline the stool is. It helps show if the gut environment is balanced for healthy bacteria. | High levels mean the stool is more alkaline, which may affect gut bacteria.
Low levels mean the stool is more acidic, which may point to fermentation or infection. |
| sIgA | 510-2040 | Secretory IgA is an antibody that helps protect the gut from infections. It shows how well the immune system in the gut is working. | High levels mean the immune system is reacting to something in the gut.
Low levels mean the gut’s immune defense may be weak. |
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 collection kit, so you can collect your sample locally and send it to the lab using the included shipping materials; check the draw location link at the top of the page. For those with ongoing digestive symptoms, being able to collect the sample at home makes the process easier and avoids the stress of traveling when symptoms are unpredictable.
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 is worth it because it can help you find the cause of digestive symptoms and start targeted treatment sooner.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended every 3 to 6 months if you are treating an infection, inflammation, or gut imbalance, or after starting a new treatment plan. Regular retesting helps track changes in gut health and shows if your treatment is working.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses PCR, culture, and microscopy to detect bacteria, yeast, and parasites, 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
None.
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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