Gastrointestinal (GI) Health Panels are non-invasive screens of the GI system and its function. They include 15-22 individual, yet related tests. Stool and saliva samples are submitted after convenient at-home collection. The GI Health Panels combine pathogen testing, inflammatory markers and other lab measures of possible disease or dysfunction for a comprehensive evaluation of GI health.
The GI panel screens for:
- Bacteria - to look for infectious organism (including H. pylori) and to help evaluate balance of "good and bad" bacteria in the gut
- Fungi and yeast - to identify overgrowth of yeast (including Candida) and fungi that may be associated with GI symptoms
- Parasites - with both microscopic evaluation of samples and identification of immune markers of infection
- Antibodies to gluten - to evaluate potential benefit of gluten-free diet
- Digestive function markers
- Markers of intestinal inflammation
- Fecal occult blood - To look for GI bleeding
- Total sIgA - to evaluate function of immune barrier in the GI tract
- Antibodies to dairy, soy and egg proteins - to evaluate potential benefit from removing dairy, soy and/or eggs from your diet
- Immune markers of infection from four additional parasites
GI Health Panels may be helpful for determining the underlying cause of:
- Chronic or vague abdominal pain or discomfort
- Gas or bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Abdominal cramping
- Heartburn or GERD