Gastrointestinal Screen – Bacteria and Parasites

£82.00

The Gastrointestinal Screen (SH28) is a comprehensive stool PCR test designed to detect the genetic material of bacterial pathogens and parasitic organisms, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium. This advanced gastrointestinal infection screen helps investigate symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, digestive upset, and suspected intestinal infections by providing rapid and accurate pathogen detection. Available at Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria) in London, with results typically available within 6 days from a stool sample.

Gastrointestinal Health

Gastrointestinal Screen

This test (SH28) uses PCR to detect the genetic material of bacterial pathogens and parasitic organisms, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium, in a stool sample. It is used to investigate gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or suspected infections.

📊 Test Specifications

Testing Fee

£82.00

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Sample RequiredFaeces Sample

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Turnaround Time6 Days Processing

PreparationNo fasting required

Diagnostic Focus

Why Choose This Test?

Symptom Investigation

This profile provides essential clarity if you are experiencing:

  • Unexplained or persistent diarrhoea
  • Severe abdominal pain and cramping
  • Suspected food poisoning or infections
  • Ongoing digestive discomfort after travel

Comprehensive Pathogen Detection

It uses advanced PCR technology to identify:

  • Key bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella
  • Escherichia coli O157 and Campylobacter
  • Parasitic organisms such as Giardia lamblia
  • Cryptosporidium and Shigella species

Actionable Insights

This detailed internal view supports:

  • Rapid and specific identification
  • Accurate medical diagnosis support
  • Targeted antibiotic or treatment planning
  • Clearer gut health investigation

Schedule Your Gastrointestinal Screen

Secure an appointment to collect your sample container and receive accurate diagnostic screening.

Book Appointment

Clinical Environment Consultation

Sample Collection

Providing Your Sample

You will be provided with a sterile container from our clinic to collect a small faeces sample. There are no special fasting or dietary requirements needed before collection. Once provided, your sample will be processed using PCR technology.

Component Index

What Is Included?

This profile evaluates common bacterial and parasitic pathogens known to cause significant gastrointestinal distress.

Bacterial Pathogens

Evaluates aggressive bacterial strains commonly linked to food poisoning and gastroenteritis.

Campylobacter spp.
Escherichia coli O157 STEC
Salmonella spp.
Shigella spp. / EIEC
Clinical focus:Identifying bacterial infections responsible for acute diarrhoea, stomach cramping, and fever.

Parasitic Organisms

Detects microscopic parasites that can colonise the intestines, often contracted from contaminated water.

Giardia lamblia
Cryptosporidium spp.
Clinical focus:Detecting waterborne parasites known to cause prolonged gastrointestinal distress.

Advanced PCR Technology

Uses PCR methods to detect specific genetic material of organisms rather than waiting for lab cultures to grow.

Stool Bacteria PCR
Stool Parasites PCR
Clinical focus:Providing highly sensitive and rapid diagnostic capability for clinical evaluation.

Understanding the PCR Methodology

Traditional stool cultures can take several days to grow and may miss organisms that are difficult to cultivate. By using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), this profile amplifies and detects the exact genetic signatures of pathogens, supporting faster and more targeted clinical management.

Pathology Reports

How To Read Your Laboratory Results

Your results will indicate whether genetic material from any included pathogens was detected in your sample. A positive result identifies the specific bacteria or parasite involved. Results should always be assessed alongside your symptoms, medical history, and clinical examination.

Results Timeline: Results are typically available within 6 days. Once ready, they will be securely shared with you.

Laboratory Diagnostic Analysis

Clinical Environment Consultation

Medical Consultation

Need Help? Private GP Consultations

If you have questions about your gastrointestinal results or if a pathogen has been detected, we offer Private GP consultations. A doctor can review your report, explain the findings, and discuss appropriate next steps.

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Clinic Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to fast before providing the sample?
No, there are no special fasting or dietary preparation instructions required for the Gastrointestinal Screen.

How quickly will I get my results?
Your comprehensive results will be processed and securely delivered within 6 days of sample submission.

How do I collect the sample?
You will be provided with a sterile container from our clinic. Please follow the provided instructions to ensure the sample is collected correctly and hygienically.

What should I do if a pathogen is detected?
If your results return positive for a bacterial or parasitic infection, we recommend booking a Private GP consultation to determine the appropriate treatment.

Can I take this test if I am already on antibiotics?
Taking antibiotics or certain medications before collecting your sample can sometimes affect the accuracy of PCR results. It is best to consult with a doctor before testing.

Will my results be sent securely?
Yes, your laboratory results will be delivered securely and privately to the email address provided.

Do I need a doctor’s referral for this profile?
No referral is needed. You can book this test independently to investigate your gastrointestinal health.

Online Trends

Most Searched Online Questions About Gastrointestinal Infections

What is Giardia?
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that causes a diarrhoeal illness known as giardiasis. It is most commonly found in contaminated water or food.

What are the symptoms of Campylobacter?
Common symptoms include diarrhoea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever occurring within a few days of exposure to the bacteria.

What is the difference between bacteria and parasites?
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can multiply quickly, while parasites are organisms that live on or inside a host organism to survive.

How does PCR testing work for stool samples?
PCR testing amplifies and detects specific DNA sequences of pathogens. It is highly accurate and significantly faster than waiting for bacteria to grow in a lab culture.

Can food poisoning cause these infections?
Yes, pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter are frequent causes of foodborne illness, often contracted from undercooked meat or contaminated produce.

Secure Diagnostics

Ready to Check Your Gut Health?

Take immediate control of your health pathway today. Arrange a precise, comprehensive Gastrointestinal Screen at our premium clinic spaces.

Clinical indications listed are for general informational purposes only and do not represent a complete list of possible uses, which may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Gastrointestinal Screen results should always be assessed in conjunction with the patient’s medical history, clinical examination, and other findings by a qualified healthcare professional.