Treatment options and pricing
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Faecal Calprotectin Test
Included in the Faecal Calprotectin Test
The faecal calprotectin test is a very useful stool test that helps to pick up inflammatory bowel diseases. It can also be helpful in ruling out serious bowel disease in those who may have symptoms of IBS, such as loose stool.
Faecal Occult Blood Test (FIT)
Included in the Faecal Occult Blood Test (FIT)
The Faecal Occult Blood Test (FIT) is a non-invasive screening test used to detect hidden (occult) blood in stool, which may indicate conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, or gastrointestinal bleeding. It specifically measures haemoglobin from human blood, making it more sensitive and specific than traditional guaiac-based tests. The FIT test is simple to perform at home, requiring a small stool sample, and does not require dietary restrictions before testing. A positive result suggests the need for further investigation, typically a colonoscopy, to determine the cause of bleeding.
Helicobacter Pylori Stool Test
Included in the Helicobacter Pylori Stool Test
H. pylori (helicobacter pylori) is a bacteria that is a common cause of peptic ulcers. If you are taking a proton-pump inhibitor (e.g. esomeprazole, omeprazole, lansoprazole) then you should stop taking it for two weeks prior to this test.
Stool Culture (PCR) – Gastrointestinal Stool Panel
Included in the Stool Culture (PCR) – Gastrointestinal Stool Panel
Results typically back within 48 hours, and advanced stool testing
Bacterial: Clostridium difficile toxin A/B, Enteroaggregative E.coli (EAEC), Enteroinvasive E.coli (EIEC)/Shigella, Enteropathogenic E.coli (EPEC), Enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC) It/st, Campylobacter spp. (C.jejuni, C.upsaliensis, C.coli), Plesiomonas shigelloides, Salmonella spp, Shiga-like toxin producing E.coli (STEC), stx1/stx2, Shiga-like toxin producing E.coli (STEC), O157:H7, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, Yersinia enterocolitica.
Viral: Adenovirus F40/41, Astrovirus, Norovirus GI, Norovirus GII, Rotavirus A, Sapovirus (GI, GII, GIV, GV). Parasitic: Cryptosporidium spp, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia.
At The Health Suite Leicester, we offer a range of functional tests designed to assess how well your body is functioning and help identify potential health concerns. Having functional tests is an essential step in understanding how well your body’s systems are operating and detecting any potential health issues.
Common Q&A about Bowel Health Stool Tests
Our FAQ section is designed to address common questions you may have, from how our treatments work to what you can expect during and after your session.
Our team is always available to provide additional support if you need more personalised guidance, ensuring that you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
A bowel health stool test involves analysing a sample of your stool (faeces) to detect various conditions affecting the digestive system, such as infections, inflammation, digestive disorders, and even early signs of colorectal cancer.
Stool tests can help diagnose conditions like gastrointestinal infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colorectal cancer, malabsorption issues, and more.
Typically, you'll be provided with a stool collection kit, which includes a container and instructions. You'll need to collect a small sample of stool, avoiding contamination with urine or toilet water, and then return it to the lab as directed.
Preparation depends on the type of stool test. You may need to avoid certain foods, medications, or supplements before the test. Your healthcare provider will give specific instructions based on the test being performed.
The time to receive results can vary depending on the type of test. Some results might be available within 1-3 days, while more comprehensive tests could take a week or longer. Your healthcare provider will inform you of the expected timeline.
Stool tests are generally non-invasive and painless. The most discomfort you might experience is the process of collecting the sample, which can be a bit awkward, but it’s usually straightforward with the provided instructions.
Abnormal results can indicate a range of issues, such as infections, inflammation, bleeding in the digestive tract, poor absorption of nutrients, or the presence of abnormal cells or blood that might suggest colorectal cancer.
Yes, certain stool tests, such as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or the stool DNA test, can help detect signs of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps by identifying hidden blood or abnormal DNA in the stool.
The frequency of stool tests depends on your age, medical history, and risk factors. For example, individuals over 50 or those at high risk for colorectal cancer may need regular screening tests, such as a stool test, every 1-3 years. Your doctor can advise on the appropriate schedule.
Stool tests are generally safe and carry minimal risk. However, they may not detect all conditions, and sometimes false positives or negatives can occur. Stool tests are often used in conjunction with other tests or evaluations to provide a comprehensive diagnosis.
