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Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis

By Cathy Wong, About.com

Updated: January 13, 2005

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About the test
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.
Health conditions this test is used to assess
Chronic diseases, especially involving the digestive system.

What this test involves
A Stool sample is collected and analyzed.

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