The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA)™ with parasitology offers a comprehensive look at the overall health of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The (CDSA)™ is Genova’s historic evaluation of gastrointestinal function assessing a select set of stool biomarkers.

This stool analysis evaluates:

• Digestion/Absorption Markers
• Gut Metabolic Markers
• Gut Microbiology Markers (bacteria and yeast)
• Gold standard O&P (ova & parasite) technology as well as EIA (Enzyme Immunoassay) for identification of common parasites

CDSA/P™ Stool Analysis Offers Insight into Common Gastrointestinal Conditions

Evidence suggests that both local and systemic health issues may begin as imbalances in gastrointestinal function. Some of the consequences of imbalanced gastrointestinal health are:

• Maldigestion
• Malabsorption
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Altered GI immune function
• Bacterial/fungal overgrowth
• Chronic dysbiosis

The GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile Biomarkers

The biomarkers on the GI Effects Comprehensive Profile reflect the 3 key functions of gut health arranged in the "DIG" format: Digestion/Absorption, Inflammation/Immunology, and the Gut Microbiome:

• Digestion/Absorption:
  • Pancreatic Elastase-1 is a marker of exocrine pancreatic function.
  • Products of Protein Breakdown are markers of undigested protein reaching the colon.
  • Fecal Fat is a marker of fat breakdown and absorption.

• Inflammation/Immunology:
  • Calprotectin is a marker of neutrophil-driven inflammation. Produced in abundance at sites of inflammation, this biomarker has been proven clinically useful in differentiating between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).4,5
  • Eosinophil Protein X is a marker of eosinophil-driven inflammation and allergic response.
  • Fecal Secretory IgA is a marker of gut secretory immunity and barrier function.
  • Fecal Occult Blood Test detects hidden blood; fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) has been recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology as the preferred noninvasive test for colorectal cancer screening/detection.

• Gut Microbiome:
  • Metabolic indicators, including short-chain fatty acids and beta-glucuronidase, demonstrate specific and vital metabolic functions performed by the microbiota.
  • Commensal Bacteria demonstrate the composition and relative abundance of gut organisms.
    • More than 95% of commensal gut organisms are anaerobic and are difficult to recover by traditional (aerobic) culture techniques.
    • GI Effects assesses a set of 24 genera/species that map to 7 major phyla.
  • Bacterial and mycology cultures demonstrate the presence of specific beneficial and pathological organisms.
  • Bacterial and mycology sensitivities are provided for pathogenic or potentially pathogenic organisms that have been cultured. The report includes effective prescriptive and natural agents.
  • Parasitology includes comprehensive testing for all parasites on every parasitology exam ordered.
    • GI Effects provides microscopic fecal specimen examination for ova and parasites (O&P), the gold standard of diagnosis for many parasites.
    • 6 Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targets detect common protozoan parasites including Blastocystis spp. with reflex subtyping 1-9, Cryptosporidium parvum/hominis, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia. PCR for organisms is emerging as a highly sensitive method for infectious organism detection.
    • Selection of a one-day or three-day sample collection is based on the clinician's clinical index of suspicion for parasitic infection. If there is no/low suspicion, a one-day sample will likely be adequate. For high suspicion, a three-day sample collection is optimal.