Digestive Health Test 1 – Comprehensive Digestive Stool Test + Optional Parasitology (CDSA or CDSAP)
This test will cover the ability to digest, and absorb nutrients as well as checking gut flora, both good e.g lactobacillus and bifidobacterium and bad such as campylobacter and E.coli in addition to yeasts. This test does not check for parasites for this you need the CSAP. This profile is commonly used to monitor treatment protocols used to improve digestion and absorption.
Could you benefit from this test?
These profiles are recommended for people with non-specific GI-related symptoms, such as indigestion, dysbiosis, constipation, and diarrhoea. This test helps pinpoint imbalances and provide clues about current symptoms and warns of potential problems should the imbalances progress.
Symptoms that you may be experiencing that may benefit from investigation
- Indigestion
- Infection
- Constipation
- Dysbiosis
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Gas and Bloating
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Recent evidence shows that digestive abnormalities may be associated with many conditions not generally thought of to be associated with digestion.
- Arthritis
- Antibiotic use
- Autoimmune disease
- Skin problems
- Chronic Fatigue
- Osteoporosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetes
What is being measured
Digestion Markers: providing insight into adequate digestive enzyme production and maldigestion. Markers include; Chymotrypsin, Putrefactive Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), Meat Fibers and Vegetable Fibers.
Absorption Markers: Elevated levels of the listed fatty acids may indicate maldigestion, malabsorption, altered transit time, and small bowel bacterial overgrowth. Markers include; Long Chain Fatty Acids, Phospholipids, Cholesterol, Triglycerides and Total Faecal Fat.
Metabolic Markers: These markers identify imbalances that are associated with increased toxic burden, small bowel bacterial overgrowth or severe inflammation. Abnormal levels are associated primarily with intestinal conditions, including potential risk for colorectal cancer. Markers include: Beneficial SCFAs, n-Butyrate, Beta- Glucuronidase, pH, Fecal Lactoferrin, Macroscopic exam, and Occult blood.
Microbiology Markers: Beneficial flora Lactobacillis and bifidobacterium as well as additional aerobic flora as they present in culture. These include strict pathogenic bacteria and potentially pathogenic bacteria and yeast.
CDSAP
In addition to the above the CDSAP also checks for the presence of parasites and eggs.
Specimen Requirements
CDSA – 1 stool sample
CDSAP – 5 stool samples taken from 3 bowel movements in 3 days
Before Taking this Test
If taking antibiotics or antifungals wait at least 3 days after completing the course before beginning the test.
Discontinue use of the following for 4 days before starting the test
Barium enemas, bentonite clay, castor oil, mieral oil, betaine Hcl, digestive enzymes, rectal suppositories, vitamin C supplements, beneficial bacteria supplements also known as probiotics e.g. lactobacillus etc
Discontinue use of aspirin, NSAID’s steroids 2 days prior to the test.
Do not stop taking any prescription medication without your doctors supervision
Consumption of some fatty foods (e.g. butter or salad dressings and some protein rich food e.g. meat, eggs, poultry, cheese if possible is advised 2-3 days prior to testing.
Turn-Around Time
16 Days
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