Meridian Valley Lab offers a variety of panels that can be useful in evaluating gastrointestinal pathogens. Additionally, these stool tests can yield valuable information relating to the workup of IBS and inflammatory conditions of the GI tract.

CSDA

This is a comprehensive test that detects bacteria, fungi and parasites in the stool. Microbes are detected with standard microscopy techniques. The CSDA panel also measures functional markers such as fecal fat, undigested food (protein & carbohydrate) and vegetable fibers, red blood cells and short chain fatty acids. The test also checks for inflammatory factors such as WBCs, mucus, lysozyme and lactoferrin.

DP: Microdigestive Panel

A cost effective and rapid screen for the following markers:

• Fecal fat with steatocrit
• Starch
• Meat
• Vegetable fibers
• WBC
• RBC
• Yeast
• Occult blood

GI Effects

This test utilizes DNA scans to detect stool micro-organisms. It also provides microbe resistance and drug sensitivity information at no additional charge. Also included are digestive, inflammatory and immunologic markers.

The Microbiological Ecology Panel utilizes the same DNA scan methodology to focus on micro-organism detection and omits the functional markers found in the full GI Effects panel.