GI Pathogens Profile

What this laboratory test evaluates

It is estimated that there are over 200 million cases of Gastrointestinal disease each year in the United States. Acute or chronic diarrhea caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic pathogen present in the GI tract, accounts for a significant proportion of the cases. Many of these cases often go undiagnosed or untreated. The Pathogens Panel measures pathogenic organisms that are known to cause hospital-acquired infections (HAI) (such as C. difficile or norovirus), foodborne illnesses (such as E. coli or Salmonella), and common causes of diarrhea (such as Campylobacter, Shigella, and rotavirus A). This panel measures viral causes of gastroenteritis unavailable by other common stool tests, as well as parasites such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Entamoeba histolytica. Helicobacter pylori and its virulence factors are also included.

This test is recommended for individuals with symptoms of:

• Chronic and Acute Gastroenteritis
• IBD-Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Suspected H. Pylori Infection
• Recreational Water Illness
• Intestinal Inflammation
• Bacterial Infections
• Parasitic Infections
• Viral Infections

Additional test information

With over 200 million estimated cases of gastrointestinal disease each year in the United States, identifying the pathogenic causes is an important step in diagnosing and treating the associated symptoms, such as acute and chronic diarrhea. This panel identifies bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens present in the GI tract – the most common cause for a significant portion of cases. Furthermore, the Pathogens Panel measures viral causes of gastroenteritis unavailable by common stool tests and reveals parasites such as Cryptosporridium, Giardia, and Entamoeba histolytica.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Stool
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should arrive 7 – 14 business days after the lab receives samples.

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.

Related Sunridge care

Learn how Sunridge approaches Digestive Conditions and ask whether this test is appropriate for your clinical question.