Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology Fecal Test
Gastrointestinal complaints are common, but many of us are unsure of the causes. This fecal panel assesses your gut health in the areas of digestion/absorption, microbiome, inflammation, immune response, intestinal health markers, pathogenic bacteria, yeast, parasites and more.
NEW Added Test (GI Pathogen Profile)!
The CSA w/Parasitology now contains the GI Pathogen Profile PCR analysis, too!
The GI Pathogen Profile no longer needs to be ordered separately, making the Comprehensive Stool Analysis an even greater value!
The CSA w/ Parasitology now provides insight into both acute and chronic issues of 3 months or longer. The PCR–based GI Pathogen Profile portion of this panel reflects sudden changes in the GI tract, such as recent travel induced GI issues or consumption of questionable food from a new restaurant.
Gastrointestinal complaints are common, but many of us are unsure of the causes. And yet, most people don’t know that any impairment in GI function or the mucosal barrier is serious and may lead to the development of food allergies, systemic illnesses, autoimmune disease, toxic overload and more.
This fecal panel assesses your gut health in the areas of digestion/absorption, microbiome, inflammation, immune response, intestinal health markers, pathogenic bacteria, yeast, parasites and more.
The GI tract is home to over 1000 species of microbial organisms, most of them bacteria. These organisms are collectively known as the microbiome. Biomarkers of this microbiome indicate how well it is performing its shared metabolic functions with the human host.
Utilizing a growth–based culture of live organisms (yeast and bacteria), sensitive biochemical assays and microscopic methods this profile provides a comprehensive assessment of GI health and helps determine the root cause of many gut complaints and systemic conditions.
The key markers of this panel have been grouped into 6 actionable areas:
- Digestion/Absorption
- Elastase – to determine exocrine pancreatic function
- Fecal Fats – fat maldigestion and malabsorption
- Muscle and Vegetable fibers – incomplete digestion
- Carbohydrates – malabsorption
- Microbiome
- Putrefactive Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) with Butyrate – indicators of the health of the microbiome
- Commensal Bacteria – imbalance of bacteria which can lead to colonization by pathogens
- Inflammation
- Lactoferrin – inflammation of the intestinal mucosa
- Calprotectin – useful in differentiating IBD and IBS and monitoring treatment
- Lysozyme – an enzyme secreted at the site of inflammation
- White Blood Cells and Mucus– can occur with infections and Inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s
- Immune Response
- Secretory IgA – gut secretory immunity and barrier function
- Intestinal Health Markers
- Red Blood Cells – associated with infection, inflammation, colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids
- pH – dependent on fermentation of fiber by beneficial gut flora
- Occult Blood – blood present in microscopic quantitates only
- Color – associated with diet and medication use as well as GI health
- Consistency – the technical ability to recover biomarkers from stool may be influenced by extremes of consistency
- Infection
- Pathogenic aerobic and anaerobic bacteria – these have the potential to cause disease (Aeromonas, Camplylobacter, Plesiomonas, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio, Yersinia, and Edwardsilla tarda are specifically tested for and found absent unless reported).
- Yeast – pathogenic yeast may be associated with GI symptoms
- Ova and Parasites – intestinal parasites are always abnormal and have the potential to cause damage to their host
- Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium – the most common parasites in the US
- Antimicrobial susceptibility – Prescription medications and natural agents are tested against selected pathogenic bacterial and fungal species to identify their sensitivity to medications and natural ingredients as well as resistance to those agents.
- PCR Multiplex pathogen testing (GI Pathogen Profile) – NEW! – Using advanced PCR technology for genetic level testing*, this GI pathogen profile detects and identifies 14 of the most common and problematic gastrointestinal viruses, parasites and bacteria in order to expedite clinical options, especially for diarrheal illnesses.
- While bacteria and parasites are the primary cause of food and water–borne diarrheal illness, the vast majority of acute diarrheal illness is caused by viral infections. In fact, Norovirus is the primary gastrointestinal infection occurring the in the US and the leading cause of foodborne illness.1
- The following bacteria, parasites, and viruses are identified using the GI Pathogen Profile
- Bacteria
- Campylocbacter (C. jejuni, C. coli and C. lari)
- Clostridium difficile (toxin A/B)
- Salmonella
- Vibrio cholerae
- Viruses
- Adenovirus F 40/41
- Norovirus GI/GII
- Rotavirus A
- Diarrheagenic E. coli/Shigella
- E. coli O157
- Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) lt/st
- Shiga–like toxin–producing E. coli (STEC) stx1/stx2
- Shigella/Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC)
- Parasites
- Cryptosporidium
- Entamoeba histolytica
- Giardia duodenalis (lamblia & intestinalis)
*Currently, validated FDA–cleared probes exist only for pathogenic species.
Note
- The CSA now provides the option to collect up to a 3–day parasitology!
- The 3–day collection is optional but can enhance the reliability of parasitology microscopy.
- If you wish to only collect on a single day, please discard the “Day 1” and “Day 2” vials, and only collect the three “Day 3” vials in the kit (1x yellow, 1x black, and 1x white capped vials).
- Results take 2-3 weeks from the time the laboratory receives your sample. This test is not available in Pennsylvania and New York. Results for this test are not available online.
References
†The laboratory services are for informational purposes only. It is not the intention of Heal Yes! and National Diagnostics, Inc., and Life Extension to provide specific medical advice but, rather, to provide users with information to better understand their health. Specific medical advice including diagnosis and treatment will not be provided. Always seek the advice of a trained health professional for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Both the physician and the testing laboratory are independent contractors with whom Heal Yes! outsources with National Diagnostics, Inc., who makes arrangements for your blood tests. Neither Heal Yes! nor National Diagnostics, Inc., nor Life Extension will be liable for any acts or omissions of the physician, the testing laboratory, or their agents or employees. See our disclaimers and terms.
†These statements have not been evaluated by The Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Heal Yes! does NOT test on animals - not our raw ingredients or finished formulas.
We're proud to be certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny:
Leaping Bunny leads the cruelty-free makeup standard and holds certified companies accountable.
PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has certified Heal Yes! as cruelty-free as part of their commitment to preventing animal cruelty and testing.
NOTE: While cruelty-free products are not tested on animals, they may still contain animal-derived ingredients. It's always important to vet ingredients carefully to ensure they align with your values and quality standards. For instance, while a product might be vegan, this does not inherently guarantee its quality or ethical sourcing, either. Additionally, some brands may use trendy ingredients like tallow or emu oil, which are often associated with unethical obtainment practices. Therefore, it's essential to thoroughly research and consider both the cruelty-free and vegan status of products, as well as the ethical implications of their ingredient sources.
Why Ensure Cruelty-Free
Opting for cruelty-free makeup offers benefits that appeal to consumers who prioritize ethical and sustainable choices. Consider these benefits of choosing cruelty-free makeup:
Animal Welfare Advocacy: Choosing cruelty-free makeup sends a message to the cosmetics industry that there is a demand for products that are not tested on animals. This encourages more brands to adopt cruelty-free practices and promotes a shift toward animal-friendly alternatives.
Personal Values Alignment: For individuals who value animal rights and welfare, using cruelty-free makeup allows them to align their personal values with their purchasing choices. It provides peace of mind that their beauty routine is in line with their ethical beliefs.
Product Safety and Quality: The development of cruelty-free makeup often involves the use of alternative testing methods such as in vitro testing, computer modeling, or relying on existing safety data. These methods can provide accurate assessments of product safety and quality without the need for animal testing. Caveat: while supporting small and often at-home brands can be an amazing choice, do ensure they have rigorous testing methods in place, which can be atypical for super small at-home brands without professional lab and testing experience to implement.
Innovation and Scientific and Societal Advancements: The wonderful shift toward cruelty-free cosmetics encourages the development and adoption of innovative, animal-free testing methods. This stimulates scientific advancements in non-animal testing techniques, benefiting both the cosmetics industry and other areas of scientific research.
Environmental Considerations: Many cruelty-free brands also prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. Not all, but many. They often employ eco-friendly packaging, use sustainable, natural, and, ideally, organic ingredients, and promote environmentally conscious practices, reducing their impact on the planet.
Consumer Awareness and Transparency: The rise of cruelty-free makeup has led to increased awareness among consumers about animal testing and ethical choices. This encourages brands to be more transparent about their practices and ingredients, providing consumers with the information they need to make informed choices.
Overall, the benefits of cruelty-free makeup extend beyond personal use, encompassing animal welfare, ethical values, innovation, and environmental consciousness. By choosing cruelty-free options, consumers contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable beauty industry that we need to continue to challenge and encourage to be at its best.
The use of the terms "comedogenic" and "non-comedogenic" (as well as "natural" and "hypoallergenic") in the beauty industry is primarily based on manufacturers' claims, creating a landscape where different companies employ various approaches to determine the comedogenicity of their products:
Some manufacturers conduct their own assessments, utilizing methodologies that may include ingredient analysis, historical data, expert opinions, or existing research to support their claims.
Smaller boutique and home-made brands might use the terms and have no testing back-up at all.
It's imperative to note that the absence of standardized guidelines means that the terms "comedogenic" and "non-comedogenic" are not regulated by authoritative bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Therefore, the lack of consistent definitions or thresholds for what constitutes comedogenic or non-comedogenic further adds to the uncertainty.
Given the absence of regulatory oversight and standardized criteria, it is wise to approach claims of comedogenicity with some skepticism. What may be comedogenic for one person may not be for another, as individual skin types and responses can vary significantly. . . .
Relying on personal experiences, recommendations from trusted sources, and seeking guidance from dermatologists or skincare experts can help in finding products that suit your specific needs and skin type. It is also essential to evaluate each ingredient as well as the overall formula when assessing potential comedogenic effects.
Sometimes an ingredient that may be personally considered comedogenic can still function well within the synergy of the entire formula. This refers to how the ingredients work together to create a product that may not cause adverse reactions:
For instance, some might regard certain organic oils and waxes as comedogenic. Shea butter, for instance, is a hydrating 'yes' to many but a no-go for some; however, in a gentle formula with proper emulsifying counterpart ingredients and natural solvent-functioning ingredients, shea butter could still bode well and not make the overall formula "comedogenic."
Conversely, a seemingly impressive ingredient panel can still trigger a negative response in some individuals.
We all have unique needs and tolerance levels, so finding the right products may involve some trial and error. Therefore, it is advisable to find formulas backed with friendly return/exchange policies and, whenever possible, consider samples to test on your skin before committing to full sizes.
Taking these precautions can help minimize the risk of reactions and allow you to make more informed decisions when selecting makeup products for your sensitive skin!
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