Gastrointestinal Screen – Viruses

£76.00

The Gastrointestinal Screen – Viruses (SH24) is an advanced stool PCR test that detects the genetic material of common viral pathogens associated with gastrointestinal infections, including norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus. Designed to investigate symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and suspected viral gastroenteritis, this test provides rapid and accurate identification of viral causes of digestive illness. Available at Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria) in London, with results typically available within 6 days from a stool sample.

Digestive Health

Gastrointestinal Screen – Viruses

This test (SH24) uses advanced PCR technology to detect the genetic material of viral pathogens in a stool sample. It is specifically designed to investigate the root causes of gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain by identifying viruses like rotavirus, adenovirus, and norovirus rapidly.

📊 Test Specifications

Testing Fee

£76.00

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Sample RequiredFaeces (Stool) Sample

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Special InstructionsCollect in a sterile container. Avoid water/urine.

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Turnaround Time6 Days Processing

Diagnostic Focus

Why Choose This Test?

Symptom Investigation

This profile provides essential clarity if you are experiencing:

  • Unexplained or persistent diarrhoea
  • Nausea and acute vomiting
  • Severe abdominal pain or cramps
  • Suspected viral gastroenteritis

Advanced PCR Technology

PCR analysis directly detects:

  • The precise genetic material of the virus
  • Multiple strains from a single sample
  • High-sensitivity detection of early infections
  • Results without relying on slower culture methods

Actionable Insights

This detailed pathogenic view helps you:

  • Confirm the specific viral cause of illness
  • Prevent unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions
  • Support proper clinical evaluation
  • Apply appropriate hygiene or isolation measures

Schedule Your Gastrointestinal Screen

Identify the source of your digestive symptoms cleanly and accurately with focused viral stool PCR screening.

Book Screening

Clinical Environment Consultation

Sample Collection

Sample Collection Process

This test requires a faeces sample rather than a blood draw. Collect the sample in a sterile container and avoid contamination with urine or toilet water to help ensure accurate PCR analysis. Once collected, you can drop off your secure sample at Medical Diagnosis Victoria for laboratory processing.

Component Index

What Viruses Are Included?

This PCR profile screens for the genetic material of six common viral causes of gastroenteritis.

Norovirus Strains

Highly contagious viruses commonly known as the winter vomiting bug.

Norovirus GI (NoV-GI)
Norovirus GII (NoV-GII)
Clinical focus:
Identifying outbreaks often linked to closed environments, contaminated food, or direct contact.

Common Paediatric & Adult Viruses

Rotavirus and adenovirus can cause diarrhoea and vomiting across different age groups.

Rotavirus (RotV)
Adenovirus (AdV)
Clinical focus:
Assessing prolonged diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms, especially where hydration needs monitoring.

Additional Viral Pathogens

Additional causes of viral gastroenteritis associated with watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever.

Astrovirus (AstV)
Sapovirus (SV)
Clinical focus:
Confirming alternative viral causes when standard rotavirus or norovirus testing may be negative.

How PCR Testing Works for Gastroenteritis

PCR directly amplifies and identifies the specific DNA or RNA of viral pathogens. This provides a highly specific and accurate diagnosis from a single stool sample, helping clinicians understand what may be causing your symptoms.

Pathology Reports

How To Read Your Laboratory Results

Your PCR report will list each of the viral pathogens tested. A detected or positive result means the genetic material of that specific virus was found in your sample. A not detected result means the virus was not identified in the sample.

Results Timeline: Results are typically processed and securely reported within 6 days.

Laboratory Diagnostic Analysis

Clinical Environment Consultation

Medical Consultation

Need Help? Private GP Consultations

If you have questions about positive viral findings, we offer Private GP consultations. A doctor can review your report, explain your infection, advise on hydration and symptom management, and discuss when it may be safe to return to work or school.

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Clinic Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to fast before the test?
No, fasting is not required. This is a stool test, so your diet before taking the sample should not affect PCR detection of viral DNA or RNA.

How quickly will I get my results?
Your viral PCR results will usually be processed and securely delivered within 6 days of the laboratory receiving your sample.

How do I collect the stool sample?
Collect a small amount of faeces into a sterile container. Avoid mixing the sample with toilet water or urine, as this can affect sample quality.

What should I do if my results are positive?
If a virus is detected, we recommend booking a Private GP consultation to review your symptoms, hydration, and appropriate hygiene or isolation measures.

Do I need to pay a phlebotomy fee?
No. This is a stool sample analysis rather than a blood draw, so there is no phlebotomy fee.

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 ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms.

Online Trends

Most Searched Online Questions About Viral Gastroenteritis

What are the symptoms of a viral GI infection?
Common symptoms include watery diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, muscle aches, and sometimes a low-grade fever.

How is a viral GI infection diagnosed?
A clinician may assess symptoms, but stool PCR testing can specifically identify which virus is causing the illness.

What is the difference between norovirus and rotavirus?
Norovirus affects people of all ages and is often linked to outbreaks. Rotavirus primarily affects infants and young children.

How long does a stomach bug usually last?
Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis often appear within 1–3 days after infection and usually last 1–3 days, though some symptoms may last longer.

Are antibiotics effective against these infections?
No. These infections are caused by viruses, so antibiotics do not treat them. Care usually focuses on rest, hydration, and symptom support.

Secure Diagnostics

Ready to Isolate Your GI Symptoms?

Take control of your digestive health today. Arrange a precise Gastrointestinal Screen for viral pathogens to guide your recovery.

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.