Stool pathogen panel
Looks for bacteria, viruses and parasites in your stool that could explain ongoing diarrhea.
TypeStool
HowA stool sample collected at home.
How oftenWhen diarrhea lasts over a week, or after travel.
BeforeNo special preparation.
WhoPeople with persistent diarrhea, travel or recent antibiotics.
Finding the cause of lasting diarrhea
Most diarrhea clears in days. When it lasts longer, follows travel or antibiotics, or comes with fever or blood, a stool panel looks for the specific infection so it can be treated correctly.
Short-lived
“Do I need a test?”
Usually not - fluids and time.
Wait
Lasting or after travel
“Could it be a parasite?”
One sample checks bacteria, viruses and parasites at once.
Test
After antibiotics
“Could it be C. difficile?”
A specific infection that needs its own treatment.
Test promptly
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- Diarrhea has lasted more than a week.
- You’ve recently travelled.
- You’ve had antibiotics recently (C. difficile).
A better option if…
- Symptoms have lasted months without infection signs - try calprotectin.
How it’s measured
Multiplex PCR panel
Tests many infections at once.
Stool culture / O&P
Traditional methods still used.
The full picture
What is it?
A stool test for gut infections.
What type of test is it?
A stool test.
What does it measure?
DNA or growth of bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Why might someone consider it?
To find a treatable cause of diarrhea.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with persistent or travel-related diarrhea.
How is it performed?
A stool sample.
How often might it be considered?
When needed.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether an infection is present.
What are its limitations?
Can detect organisms that aren’t causing symptoms.
What should it be viewed with?
Symptoms, travel and calprotectin.
Where to get it
Through your provider
Ordered with a collection kit you use at home.
Lab services
e.g. Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp.
Gastroenterology clinics
For ongoing or complex symptoms.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Could an infection be causing this?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test