Microbiology Test

What this laboratory test evaluates

Why Order a Microbiology Test?The Microbiology profile examines the presence of microflora, both beneficial and imbalanced, including Clostridium species and dysbiotic flora, and detects infectious pathogens through comprehensive bacteriology and yeast cultures. The testing also includes antimicrobial susceptibility testing to prescriptive and natural agents for appropriate bacterial and fungal species.

Since the early 20th century, research has shown that a good balance of beneficial Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and E. coli bacteria in the gut is important for overall health, with benefits including inhibition of microbial pathogens, prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, reduction of lactose intolerance symptoms, lower cholesterol levels, immune system enhancement, and inhibition of Candida albicans. The exact mechanisms behind these benefits are not yet fully understood, but research suggests that beneficial bacteria can produce substances that are antagonistic to pathogenic microorganisms, compete with pathogens for adhesion receptors, produce lactase, and produce short chain fatty acids like butyrate, propionate, and acetate.

However, many individuals experience dysbiosis, where an imbalance of microflora leads to an overgrowth of non-beneficial or even pathogenic microorganisms. This can be caused by factors such as exposure to toxins, antibiotic use, chronic consumption of processed foods, and high stress levels. Dysbiosis can lead to chronic symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome, autoimmune diseases, fatigue, chronic headaches, and food allergies.

Yeast infections can cause a variety of symptoms, both intra- and extra-gastrointestinal, and may be overlooked as a pathogenic agent. Candida infection has been linked to episodes of recurrent diarrhea and chronic extra-gastrointestinal conditions like atopic dermatitis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Testing for abnormal levels of specific yeast species in the stool can aid in therapeutic planning for patients with chronic gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal symptoms. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to prescriptive and natural agents is also performed for appropriate fungal species at no additional cost.

Additional test information

The Microbiology Test can identify over 1400 species of gastrointestinal organisms, including 170 yeast and fungal species, to help diagnose and treat dysbiosis and yeast overgrowth.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Stool
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should arrive 10 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.