Description
Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology
A thorough stool examination that evaluates both microbiological content (bacteria, yeasts, parasites) and digestive markers.
What does this test measure?
It typically includes:
- Macroscopic description (color, consistency)
- Chemical tests (occult blood, pH, elastase for pancreatic function, fat quantitatively for malabsorption)
- Microscopic exam for parasites (Ova & Parasite exam)
- Cultures for bacteria and sometimes yeasts
- Antimicrobial sensitivities for any pathogens grown
- Inflammatory markers like calprotectin or immune markers like secretory IgA
Who is this test most suitable for?
- Travelers (possible parasites from abroad)
- Individuals with poor sanitation exposure
- High sugar diets (predisposing to yeast overgrowth)
- Those who have taken many antibiotics (risking dysbiosis and C. diff)
Clinical Use
Essentially, it’s a one-stop test for someone with chronic GI symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, or unexplained IBS. It can detect a parasite (e.g. Giardia, Blastocystis), dysbiosis (imbalanced gut flora), yeast overgrowth, or digestive insufficiency (e.g. low pancreatic enzymes). If pathogens are found, appropriate treatment can be targeted; if dysbiosis is found, probiotics or diet changes can be recommended. It’s often used in integrative medicine to find hidden infections or imbalances that standard stool tests (which might only look for a few major pathogens) could miss.
