GI Pathogen Profile, Multiplex PCR Stool Kit - Doctor's Data Test Kit
The GI Pathogen Profile, multiplex PCR Kit is used to test for the presence of viral infections or to differentiate between possible diarrheagenic strains of E. coli.
Preparation:
Ship to lab Monday-Thursday only. Please read all of the directions and the collection procedures prior to starting test. Please wait three days after completion of antifungal or antibiotic medications before starting this collection. Please refrain from taking digestive enzymes, laxatives (particularly mineral or castor oil), antacids, aspirin, and substances containing barium and/or bismuth for two days prior to and during the specimen collection. Refrain from taking probiotic supplements for two weeks prior to specimen collection. Never discontinue prescription medications without first consulting your physician.
Test Results:
7-10 Business days once the lab receives the specimen. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
This test is useful for
- Chronic or acute diarrhea
- Bloody stool
- Travelers diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever & vomiting
- Immuno-compromised patients
- Geriatric patients
- Chronic disease patients (heart disease, aortic grafts, diabetes, chronic renal disease)
- Observed cluster or suspected outbreak of diarrheal illness
The GI Pathogen Profile, using the FilmArray multiplex PCR system, tests for 22 Viruses, parasites, and bacteria, and offers new opportunities for the rapid, accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment of diarrheal illnesses which can improve patient outcomes and clinical success.
While bacteria and parasites are the primary cause of food & water-borne diarrheal illness (48 million infections/year), the vast majority of acute diarrheal illness is caused not by bacteria or parasites, but by viral infections. In fact, Norovirus is the primary gastrointestinal infection occurring in the United States. Even though testing for pathogenic bacteria and parasite is commonly available, there has been limited availability of viral testing until recently.
Acute gastroenteritis may contribute to patient morbidity and even mortality, if the illness progresses to severe dehydration. Also, the identification of reportable diseases is imperative to prevent large outbreaks, especially for highly contagious or food-borne illnesses, and many gastrointestinal illnesses have very similar clinical presentations.
If your patient has diarrheal illness, you need accurate results quickly. Most GI Pathogen Profile results can be provided within one business day of sample receipt with up to 98.5% overall sensitivity and 99.3% overall specificity. As a result, you can begin targeted treatment immediately, for greater therapeutic efficacy and reduced risk of complications & side effects associated with incorrect treatment or unwarranted antimicrobial administration.
Rapid diagnosis allows for better treatment decisions, as antimicrobial agents have no effect on viral illness, and the indiscriminate use of antibiotics may increase bacterial resistance. Certain pathogenic bacterial and parasitic infections may require antimicrobial treatment, while other infections warrant rehydration and supportive therapies. Knowing the difference allows the treating physician to practice good antimicrobial stewardship.
Use the GI Pathogen Profile as a stand-alone test, or as a complement to our Comprehensive Stool Analysis, to test for the presence of viral infections or to differentiate between possible diarrheagenic strains of E. coli.
