Experiencing gastrointestinal issues that cause discomfort or embarrassment? A stool test can help to identify the problem and enable it to be treated. For comprehensive stool testing that can shine some light on your health and wellness, make an appointment with Brisbane Naturopath.
What Is the Purpose of Stool Testing?
Stool testing can help to diagnose numerous conditions, including infection of the digestive tract caused by the existence of pathogenic bacteria.
- Gastroinstestioal discomfort, Bloating,
- Alterenating constipation diarrhoea
- Diarrhoea that lasts numerous day
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and/or vomiting
These symptoms can often be indicative of gastrointestinal illness, which stool testing will typically either confirm or rule out.
Types of Stool Tests
The Complete Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) is a functional stool test that provides an overview of the components of digestion, absorption, intestinal function and microbial flora, as well as identifying pathogenic bacteria, parasites and yeasts.
The CDSA test assists Brisbane Naturopath to prescribe more effective preventive interventions. It shows where exactly the problem lies, for example if there is a lack of stomach acid or digestive enzymes, if there is bacterial overgrowth and if there are parasites or bad bacteria. It lists the natural remedies these pathogens are sensitive to, for optimal choice of treatment.
This test also provides an excellent assessment of digestive function and is perfect for patients presenting with suboptimal gut function or for patients with sudden changes in bowel pattern, especially for those who have been traveling abroad or camping.
If parasites are suspected a Stool test PCR will identify the presents of 10 different parasitic & bacterial organisms:
Different Types of Pathogenic Bacteria?
The most common types detected by stool testing include:
- Salmonella – Found in raw eggs, raw poultry and uncooked vegetables
- Shigella – Found in water or food products that may have been contaminated with faeces
- Campylobacter – Present in poultry that’s raw or undercooked. Can be particularly serious if it makes its way into the bloodstream
- Escherichia coli 0157:H7 – Better known as E. coli, it’s commonly found in hamburger meat or beef that’s raw or undercooked
- Clostridium difficule – It’s possible that these might exist as part of the normal flora, however when combined with antibiotics, they have a tendency to overgrow
- Giardia intestinalis,
- Cryptosporidium,
- Dientamoeba fragilis,
- Entamoeba histolytica,
- Blastocystis hominis;
- Campylobacter spp,
- Yersinia enterocolitica,
- Aeromonas
How Is the Stool Sample Collected?
Worried about how we go about collecting your sample for stool testing? Don’t be − you can take care of it in the privacy of your own home. We’ll supply you with a sterile container that needs to remain free from contaminants such as urine or water. To avoid your stool coming into contact with urine or water, make sure you place something in the toilet bowl to catch your stool. Once you’ve caught it, transfer it into the container. Be sure to not use your hands, as they might contaminate the sample.
