In contrast to the old adage, we are not only what we are eat, but how we digest our food, absorb nutrients and eliminate wastes. Healthy digestive and gastrointestinal function, which includes the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gall bladder and pancreatic function, is the true pillar of good health.
The best way to test for overall gastrointestinal function is with a specialised stool test known as a Gastrointestinal Stool Test (GIFx).
Gastrointestinal Function Stool Test (GIFx) is unlike any other stool analysis profile, going beyond the standard parameters for identifying gastrointestinal disorders.
The GIFx Profile uses DNA analysis to identify microbiota including anaerobes, which are your “good bacteria” and a previously immeasurable area of the gut environment – in addition to pathogenic “bad bugs” such as parasites, bacteria and yeast/fungi. DNA assessment is specific and accurate, avoids the pitfalls of sample transport, reports results as specific numbers, and is more sensitive than classic laboratory methods.
why use a DNA-based stool analysis test?
Gastrointestinal function is important for general health. The intestinal tract contains significant amounts of bacteria; some beneficial, some neutral, and some harmful. Balancing beneficial microbial flora in the gut is key to proper digestion, efficient nutrient usage, and ridding the body of waste and pathogens. Poor digestion and malabsorption can lead to immune dysfunction, nutritional insufficiencies, mental/emotional disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
Metametrix stool testing offers the Complete GIFx profile using PCR-based DNA testing, for the most thorough look at the gut environment and overall function.
“PCR is the best developed and most widely used nucleic acid amplification strategy…These techniques have sensitivity unparalleled in laboratory medicine, have created new opportunities for the clinical laboratory to have an effect on patient care and have become the new “gold standards” for laboratory diagnosis of several infectious diseases.” -Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 8th Edition, Vol. 1, page 235, 2003
who should do a GIFx stool test
If you suffer from any gastrointestinal system problems, it is important to ascertain the exact cause of those problems – and not just “learn to live” with the symptoms or use “band-aid treatments”.
You should consider having a GIFx stool test if you suffer from:
- IBS
- Cramping and gastrointestinal pain
- wind
- bloating
- flatulence
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- heartburn
- reflux
- ulcers
- recurrent gut infections
- generalised poor health symptoms of fatigue, inflammatory problems, hormonal issues, mood disturbance and skin problems may all be caused by gastrointestinal system dysfunction, as a result of an imbalance of “good bacteria”, infection with parasites, pathogenic bacteria or yeast/fungi or poor enzyme production and other issues.
what does a GIFx test for
A GIFx stool test is the most accurate way to assess for overall gastrointestinal function, including:
- Healthy bacteria levels
- Presence of infections such as parasites, pathogenic bacteria, yeast/fungi
- Gluten intolerance
- Pancreatic function
- Gastrointestinal inflammatory issues
- pH
- Blood
- Infections
- Mucous
- White blood cells
- Dietary fibre
- Gut-immune issues
- Dietary deficiencies and much more…
The GIFx testing is DNA-based technology, which by-passes the need to “grow” organisms from your stool in the lab, which has limitations in often missing the diagnosis of major gut infection. This testing, which is completed at a lab in the USA (Metametrix) offers you the most thorough assessment of your digestive system function, than compared to standard stool pathology testing.
A gastrointestinal function stool Testing (GIFx) will enable your practitioner to ascertain problems in their early stages when they represent minor discomfort, before disease or pathology occurs (such as in irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, nausea, diarrhoea, reflux and heartburn), and a more detailed account of the cause and extent of advanced digestive conditions (such as ulcerative colitis, ulcers, Crohns, Coeliacs, hepatitis, gall stones, and haemorrhoids – to name a few).
advantages of the Metametrix GIFx stool test
- Greater Accuracy
Microbial DNA analysis improves the accuracy of results and includes both aerobes and anaerobes. Anaerobes comprise over 95% of the bacteria in the gut and are difficult to detect with old culture methods. - Antibiotic resistance genes
DNA analysis detects organisms possessing genes that give rise to antibiotic resistance, offering clinicians a superior tool for effective patient management. - Single Sample Collection
Culture methods require multiple collections, whereas the GI Effects Stool Profile requires only one sample collection leading to improved patient compliance! - Eliminates Errors in Transport
Sample transport is a source of significant error in culture analysis due to the change in microbial balance from the time of collection. Using DNA analysis, the specimen is placed in a fixative tube that stops microbial growth and offers a highly accurate snapshot of the microbial balance in the gut. - Increased Sensitivity
GI Effects detects as few as 5 cells per gram – a 5000-fold increase in sensitivity over microscopy for parasite detection. - A Better Value
No reflex or add-on costs for additional testing!
how is the test done
The test involves a simple stool collection, and then small amounts of the sample are added the fixative vials, which is sent to a specialised Australian laboratory (Diagnostic Insights), who then prepares the sample to be sent to the USA. The patient is provided with an-easy-to-follow collection kit and the collection of the sample is done in the privacy of your own home.
The results are expected approximately 21 days after collection, and the results and subsequent treatment is often life-changing for patients who have lived with chronic digestive system problems.
For more information please contact us.
