Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory in Asheville, North Carolina, is a highly regarded lab. They offer the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis, a group of 25 tests performed on a stool sample, evaluating the overall general function of the digestive tract. It looks at:
- Digestion of food molecules and absorption of nutrients--this stool analysis looks at several markers to determine how well fats, protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients are being absorbed.
- The presence of hidden Candida yeast or bacterial infections--
- Intestinal flora balance--this refers to the balance between the "friendly" intestinal bacteria and "harmful" bacteria.
- Intestinal immune function--The intestinal portion of the immune system, called secretory IgA, protects against unwanted substances from crossing the intestinal barrier.
- Dietary fiber intake.
Chronic diseases, especially involving the digestive system.
What this test involves
A Stool sample is collected and analyzed.
