When was the last time you thought about stool testing? Typically, most people don’t think about it until they’re suffering from chronic GI symptoms and visit a doctor or hospital. While standard stool tests are great for identifying pathogens, the common problem that surfaces for many primary care physicians is that general stool tests, like C. Diff, cannot identify chronic GI problems. This often results in physicians misdiagnosing their patients with ‘umbrella’ disorders such as IBS.
Today, we discuss the similarities and differences between general stool tests and comprehensive specialty tests. We explain how relying on basic stool tests to diagnose patients with chronic GI problems can lead to misdiagnoses and unproductive treatment plans. We also discuss Genova’s flagship product, the GI Effects stool test, what it is, and why it is currently the most comprehensive stool test available on the market.
Fellow Genovian, Ashley Gibbon, also joins us to discuss PCR testing. Ashley has been a Genovian for nearly two decades and is the Manager of the Product Research and Development department at Genova Diagnostics lab where she was responsible for assisting in the development of the PCR Parasite Test for the GI Effects stool test. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Biology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Master of Health Sciences in Environmental Health from Western Carolina University. Ashley explains the PCR stool testing technique and how Genova lab technicians use the technique. She also explains when it’s appropriate - and not appropriate - to request a PCR test, what the test helps to identify, and the likelihood of receiving false-positive results from a PCR test.
 
“You need several methodologies to get a broad look at the entire microbiome in the GI tract.” - Patti Devers
 
This week on The Lab Report Podcast:

The challenges of diagnosing patients based on general stool testing results and how specialty test benefit patients and physicians alike
What makes Genova’s GI Effects stool test one of the most comprehensive tests on the market
Common GI symptoms that Genova’s GI Effects stool test can help physicians properly diagnose and treat
Introducing Ashley Gibbon, Genova’s Manager of Product Research & Development
How Genova’s lab technicians are trained to properly identify parasites in stool samples
How the PCR technique works
Examples of when a PCR test would not be necessary
The likelihood of getting false-positive results when using the PCR testing technique
What the PCR technique tests for - and what it doesn’t

 
 
Question of the Day:

Should you discontinue taking probiotics, digestive enzymes, and supplements before taking the GI Effects stool test?

 
 
Resources Mentioned:

GI Effects Comprehensive Profile Stool Test
GI Effects Test Prep

 
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Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.
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