A Gastrointestinal (GI) infection occurs when bacteria, viruses, or parasites infect the digestive tract, leading to diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. These infections can be caused by contaminated food, water, person-to-person contact, or poor hygiene.

Traditional stool cultures can take several days to identify the cause, but the Gastrointestinal Infection PCR Test provides fast, accurate, and comprehensive detection of multiple pathogens within 24-48 hours using advanced molecular technology.

The Gastrointestinal Infection PCR Test is a molecular diagnostic test that detects bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause GI illnesses. Unlike traditional tests that require longer processing times and may miss certain infections, PCR testing provides:
✅ Highly Accurate Detection – Over 99% sensitivity and specificity
⚡ Rapid Results – Identifies infections within 24-48 hours instead of days or weeks
🦠 Simultaneous Multi-Pathogen Detection – Detects multiple infections in a single test
🚫 Detects Antibiotic Resistance Genes – Guides treatment by identifying drug-resistant infections

This test is recommended for individuals experiencing:
✅ Severe or prolonged diarrhea (lasting more than 3 days)
✅ Bloody diarrhea or mucus in stool
✅ Severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
✅ Fever, dehydration, or fatigue associated with GI symptoms
✅ Recent travel to areas with poor sanitation or high infection risk
✅ Immunocompromised conditions (HIV, cancer, or organ transplant patients)

Common Symptoms of GI Infections 

🛑 Frequent watery diarrhea
🛑 Abdominal cramps or pain
🛑 Fever and chills
🛑 Nausea and vomiting
🛑 Blood or mucus in stool
🛑 Severe dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, low urine output)

Bacterial Pathogens: 

• Clostridium difficile (C. diff toxin A/B) – Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
• Salmonella species – Common foodborne infection
• Shigella species – Causes severe dysentery
• Escherichia coli (E. coli O157:H7, Enterotoxigenic E. coli, Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli) – Linked to food poisoning and traveler’s diarrhea
• Campylobacter species – One of the most common causes of bacterial diarrhea
• Vibrio species (including Vibrio cholerae) – Associated with cholera and seafood poisoning
• Yersinia enterocolitica – Causes severe abdominal pain, mimicking appendicitis

Viral Pathogens:

• Norovirus – The leading cause of viral gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”)
• Rotavirus – Common in young children, causing severe diarrhea
• Sapovirus – Another cause of viral gastroenteritis
• Adenovirus (Enteric Type 40/41) – Causes prolonged diarrhea, especially in infants

Parasitic Pathogens:

• Giardia lamblia – Causes Giardiasis, leading to prolonged diarrhea and bloating
• Cryptosporidium species – Causes severe diarrhea in immunocompromised patients
• Entamoeba histolytica – Causes Amoebiasis, leading to dysentery and liver abscesses

Antibiotic Resistance Genes Detected:

• difficile toxin genes (TcdA, TcdB) – Indicates presence of Clostridium difficile infection
• Beta-lactam resistance genes (blaCTX-M, blaNDM, blaOXA-48) – Indicates resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems
• Macrolide resistance genes (ermB) – Indicates resistance to macrolide antibiotics like azithromycin

1️⃣  Sample Collection – A stool sample is collected in a sterile container at a lab or healthcare provider’s office.
2️⃣  DNA/RNA Extraction – The genetic material of pathogens is isolated.
3️⃣  PCR Amplification & Detection – The test amplifies the DNA/RNA of viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
4️⃣ Results Interpretation – A detailed report is generated and sent to your doctor for review.

Understanding Your Test Results 

• Positive Result – Confirms the presence of one or more pathogens; your doctor will provide appropriate treatment.
• Negative Result – No infection detected, but symptoms should still be monitored.
• Antibiotic Resistance Detected – Your doctor will adjust antibiotic therapy

Depending on your results, your doctor may:
✔ Prescribe targeted antibiotics, antivirals, or antiparasitic medications
✔ Recommend hydration therapy and probiotics for gut recovery
✔ Advise dietary changes and hygiene practices to prevent reinfection
✔ Suggest further testing if symptoms persist

Insurance & Cost Coverage 

Most insurance providers cover PCR testing for gastrointestinal infections when medically necessary. Our team assists with insurance verification, pre-authorization, and billing support.

Why Choose Our Lab for Gastrointestinal PCR Testing? 

✔ Comprehensive Multi-Pathogen Panel – Detects bacteria, viruses, and parasites in one test
✔ CLIA-Certified & CAP-Accredited Laboratory – Ensuring high-quality diagnostic standards
✔ Fast Turnaround Time – Results available within 24-48 hours
✔ Expert Consultation Available – Helping physicians interpret complex infection cases
✔ Advanced Molecular Technology – Utilizes state-of-the-art PCR testing for accurate detection