Gastrointestinal Screen – Bacteria

£76.00

Gastrointestinal Screen – Bacteria Stool PCR Test in London

The Gastrointestinal Screen – Bacteria (SH25) is an advanced stool PCR test designed to detect the genetic material of bacterial pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal infections. This highly sensitive test helps investigate symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, digestive upset, nausea, and suspected bacterial foodborne infections by providing rapid and accurate pathogen identification. Available at Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria) in London, with results typically available within 6 days from a faeces sample.

Digestive System Health

Gastrointestinal Screen – Bacteria

This test (SH25) uses PCR to detect the genetic material of bacterial pathogens in a stool sample. It is used to investigate gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or suspected bacterial infections. PCR provides rapid and specific identification of bacteria, supporting diagnosis, monitoring, and clinical evaluation of gastrointestinal health.

📊 Test Specifications

Clinic Testing Fee

£76.00

🧪

Sample RequiredFaeces Sample

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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:

  • Persistent or severe diarrhea
  • Unexplained abdominal pain or cramping
  • Suspected food poisoning or infection
  • Gastrointestinal distress after travel

Advanced PCR Detection

PCR technology provides specific identification by screening for:

  • Campylobacter and Salmonella species
  • Dangerous E. coli strains (O157, STEC)
  • Clostridium difficile toxins A/B
  • Shigella and Yersinia enterocolitica

Actionable Insights

This detailed internal view empowers you to:

  • Pinpoint the exact pathogen causing distress
  • Avoid unnecessary generic antibiotics
  • Accelerate accurate clinical diagnosis
  • Take control of your digestive recovery securely

Schedule Your Gastrointestinal Screen

Map your digestive health cleanly. Secure an appointment to drop off your sample for rapid PCR analysis today.

Book Appointment

Component Index

What Is Included?

This profile utilizes highly sensitive PCR testing to detect the exact genetic material of common and dangerous bacterial pathogens in the digestive tract.

Common Pathogens

Detects bacteria frequently responsible for food poisoning, severe cramping, and travel-related gastroenteritis.

Campylobacter spp. (Cam)
Salmonella spp. (Sal)
Shigella spp./EIEC (Sh/EI)
Clinical focus:
Identifying standard causes of acute diarrheal illnesses rapidly.

Specific E. Coli Strains

Screens for dangerous strains of E. coli that can cause severe complications and require precise medical management.

Escherichia coli O157
STEC (stx1/2)
Clinical focus:
Detecting toxin-producing Escherichia coli securely to prevent further systemic complications.

Additional Bacteria

Evaluates for healthcare-associated infections and lesser-known bacterial threats that mimic other digestive disorders.

Clostridium difficile toxin A/B
Yersinia enterocolitica (Yer)
Clinical focus:
Identifying post-antibiotic C. diff infections and evaluating persistent lower abdominal discomfort.

Understanding PCR Technology

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a highly advanced molecular technique. Instead of waiting days for bacteria to grow in a culture dish, PCR amplifies and detects the specific genetic material (DNA) of the pathogens directly from the stool sample. This provides faster, highly specific, and far more accurate diagnostic answers for gastrointestinal distress.

Pathology Reports

How To Read Your Laboratory Results

Your PCR results will clearly state whether the genetic material for each specific pathogen was “Detected” or “Not Detected” in your sample. A detected result confirms the presence of that bacteria, strongly indicating it as the cause of your symptoms. Results must be assessed in conjunction with your medical history and clinical examination.

Results Timeline: Profile metrics are typically available within 6 days of sample receipt. Once your results are ready, they will be securely shared with you.

Laboratory Diagnostic Analysis

Clinical Environment Consultation

Medical Consultation

Need Help? Private GP Consultations

If your gastrointestinal screen detects a bacterial pathogen, or if you have questions about your ongoing digestive symptoms, we offer Private GP consultations. A doctor can review your report, explain what the infection means, and provide appropriate treatment or medication prescriptions.

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Clinic Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to fast before the test?
No, fasting is not required. This profile tests a stool sample, not blood.
How do I collect the sample?
Collect a stool sample in a provided sterile container. Ensure that the sample is not contaminated with urine or toilet water.
How quickly will I get my results?
The PCR processing is complex, and results will be ready securely within 6 days of your sample drop-off.
What should I do if a bacteria is detected?
If a pathogen is detected, we highly recommend booking a Private GP consultation to discuss appropriate treatment and symptom management immediately.
Can I drop the sample off without an appointment?
While walk-ins for sample drop-off are welcome at the clinic, booking a slot online ensures priority processing and a smoother experience.
Will my results be sent securely?
Yes, your laboratory diagnostic 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 gastrointestinal screening independently to investigate your digestive symptoms.
Online Trends

Most Searched Online Questions About GI Bacteria

What causes bacterial gastroenteritis?
It is commonly caused by consuming contaminated food or water, leading to infections from bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, or E. coli.
How is a stool PCR test different from a culture?
A culture requires waiting for bacteria to physically grow in a lab, while PCR immediately detects the DNA of the bacteria, making it much faster and more sensitive.
What are the symptoms of C. diff?
Clostridium difficile typically causes severe, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, often developing after a recent course of antibiotics.
Can E. coli be dangerous?
While many strains are harmless, specific strains like E. coli O157 and STEC produce toxins that can cause severe illness and kidney complications.
How to prepare for a stool test?
No dietary changes are usually needed, but you must ensure the sample is collected cleanly into a sterile container without touching toilet water or urine.

Secure Diagnostics

Ready to Check Your Digestive 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 – Bacteria results should always be assessed in conjunction with the patient’s medical history, clinical examination, and other findings by a qualified healthcare professional.