Gastrointestinal Health Panel FAQs

What are the clinical indications for using the GI Health Panels?

The GI Health Panel is worth considering for:

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Chronic loose stool or constipation
• Fat, grain, and food intolerance
• School- and pool-associated GI problems
• Chronic abdominal discomfort/pain
• Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia
• Excessive eating pattern/Anorexia
• Post travel loose stool/diarrhea
• Sudden changes in bowel habits
• Bloating, maldigestion, heartburn
• Excess gas and flatulence
• Chronic skin conditions
• Hyperactivity
• Poor sleeping habits
• Screening for colon cancer
• Poor liver function and/or to optimize liver health
• Assessing the effectiveness of probiotics use
• Assessing the effectiveness of digestive enzyme use
• Unexplained weight loss

Read the GI Health Panel and GI Health Panel Expanded test descriptions for details of the differences between the two test panels.

What methods of testing do the GI Health Panels use?

To insure high sensitivity and specialty of pathogenic organism detection, the lab we use employs a variety of methods in the GI Health Panel tests. Both saliva and stool tests are used in these unique tests. These tests utilize proven biochemical and state-of-the-art immunological methods including:

• Pathogen screening: bacteria, fungi, yeast, and various parasites.
• Digestion related screens: enzyme levels and immunochemical markers for intolerance to common offending foods.
• Intestinal function markers to evaluate irritation and inflammation; markers indicate overall status of gut immunity and integrity, i.e. occult blood, etc.

What is a GI stool analysis?

A stool analysis is a series of tests done on a stool (feces) sample to help evaluate certain conditions affecting the stomach, small intestines, and colon. The stool sample is collected by the client in the privacy of their own home in a clean container and then sent to the laboratory. Laboratory analysis includes microscopic examination, chemical tests, and microbiologic tests. Yeast, parasites and their ova, and bacteria may or may not be found. Nutrient absorption, probiotics' effectiveness, and gut immunity are examined.

What is a GI saliva analysis?

A GI saliva analysis is a series of tests performed on a saliva sample to help evaluate certain conditions affecting the stomach, small intestines, and colon. The saliva sample is collected by the client in the privacy of their own home in a clean container and then sent to the laboratory. The saliva is tested specifically for roundworm, tissue worm, toxoplasma, and tapeworm, as well as wheat (gluten), cow's milk (casein), egg (ovalbumin), and soy protein intolerances.

How does the cost for the GI Health Panels offered by the Optimal Health Center compare with other similar tests on the market?

The two Gastrointestinal Health Panels we offer are currently the least expensive and most comprehensive tests that we can find on the market. Beware of the many companies on the internet that offer free test kits. With many of these free offers you receive only the test kit itself, which does not include the cost of the test results or the cost of the consultation time. The cost of the GI Health Panels we offer includes the test kit, the lab results and 30 minutes of consultation time for either panel.

How do I prepare for a Gastrointestinal GI Health Panel?

Preparation is the same for both the 15 Test GI Health Panel and the 22 Test GI Health Panel Expanded. The samples required for both tests are the same. They include three (3) stool samples over 4 days and two (2) saliva samples on day 4.

Four (4) days prior to starting sample collection, and for the duration of the 4-day collection period, avoid the use of:

1. All vitamins and minerals
2. Iron supplements
3. Bismuth compounds (e.g., Pepto Bismol)
4. Antibiotics and fungus/yeast-killing drugs
5. Antacids
6. Dietary yeast (Brewer’s yeast)
7. Enemas (Fleet)
8. Rectal suppositories
9. Rare cooked red meats
10. Beets
11. Caffeine
12. Bentonite clay (Kaopectate)
13. Digestive enzymes
14. Bulk laxatives (psyllium fiber, Metamucil, etc.)

On the day of saliva collection, please avoid the following food:

1. Onions — onion rings, in salads, on sandwiches
2. Garlic — whole, crushed, baked garlic cloves, garlic paste, garlic supplements
3. Caffeine — coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks
4. Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli

Within one hour of saliva collection, please avoid:

1. Smoking
2. Brushing teeth
3. Eating
4. Beverages other than water
5. Flossing
6. Mouthwash