Gastrointestinal Pathogen PCR Test

Uses multiplex PCR on a stool sample to look for the listed bacterial, viral and parasitic genetic targets. It may help investigate acute infectious diarrhoea, but detection does not always prove the organism is causing symptoms and the panel does not include routine microscopy, culture and sensitivity.

At a glance

• Sample: Stool/faecal container
• Collection: Self-collected sample using the supplied kit
• Estimated turnaround: 2 days from laboratory receipt of a usable sample

What this test measures

C. difficile toxin A/B genes

A bacterial or bacterial-toxin genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Campylobacter species

A bacterial or bacterial-toxin genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC)

A bacterial or bacterial-toxin genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC)/Shigella

A bacterial or bacterial-toxin genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC)

A bacterial or bacterial-toxin genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC)

A bacterial or bacterial-toxin genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Plesiomonas shigelloides

A bacterial or bacterial-toxin genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Salmonella

A bacterial or bacterial-toxin genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) stx1/stx2

A bacterial or bacterial-toxin genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

STEC O157:H7

A bacterial or bacterial-toxin genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Vibrio cholerae

A bacterial or bacterial-toxin genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus

A bacterial or bacterial-toxin genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Vibrio vulnificus

A bacterial or bacterial-toxin genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Yersinia enterocolitica

A bacterial or bacterial-toxin genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Adenovirus 40/41

A viral genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Astrovirus

A viral genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. A raised result can occur with liver or muscle injury and needs the wider liver profile, symptoms, medicines and alcohol history for context.

Norovirus GI

A viral genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Norovirus GII

A viral genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Rotavirus A

A viral genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Sapovirus I/II/IV/V

A viral genetic target associated with infectious gastroenteritis. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Cyclospora cayetanensis

A parasitic genetic target associated with intestinal infection. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Cryptosporidium species

A parasitic genetic target associated with intestinal infection. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Entamoeba histolytica

A parasitic genetic target associated with intestinal infection. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

Giardia lamblia

A parasitic genetic target associated with intestinal infection. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

How clinicians use this test

Clinicians use the 24 listed markers as part of investigating digestive symptoms or monitoring a known condition. The result may narrow the possibilities, but history, examination and other tests may still be needed for diagnosis.

Is this the right test for you?

Someone exploring the stated digestive marker with a clinician, provided urgent or persistent symptoms are not being delayed by postal testing.

Preparation and collection

Return the sample on the same day it is collected. Do not post over weekends or bank holidays.

Understanding your result

The most useful information is usually the pattern across the 24 listed markers, not one isolated flag. Related markers can support or contradict each other, and a mildly out-of-range value may reflect normal biological variation, collection conditions or temporary illness rather than disease.

Your results and next steps

Discuss a raised, detected or otherwise unexpected result with a GP or digestive-health clinician. Persistent symptoms, bleeding, weight loss or worsening pain need assessment even when the result is reassuring.

Limitations

A result cannot identify every cause of digestive symptoms. Collection quality, medicines, recent infection and other conditions may affect interpretation.

When to get medical help

Do not wait for a home-test result if you feel seriously unwell. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency, or use NHS 111 when you need urgent advice and are unsure what to do.