• Welcome to Phoenix Rising!

    Created in 2008, Phoenix Rising is the largest and oldest forum dedicated to furthering the understanding of and finding treatments for complex chronic illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia (FM), long COVID, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and allied diseases.

    To become a member, simply click the Register button at the top right.

CSDA Testing

LaurieL

Senior Member
Messages
447
Location
Midwest
I am specifically interested in getting a Comprehensive Stool and Digestive Analysis with Parasitology. There doesn't seem to be a clear cut or stickied informational thread to help me determine the differences between the labs offering this type of testing.

I really feel a signifigant number of us fall through the proverbial cracks. Many of us are not capabale of testing through a physician due to either lack of healthcare or financial crisis this shoves us into.

With that said, I am only interested in the testing available without a physicians orders or involvement. I have been through umpteen threads with numerous pages and references here and there to labs offering testing of this type. Out of the hours and hours of scouring, I still fail to come across any thread describing which labs offer testing of the CSDA et al and the differences between them and basically which one will offer me the most information for my incredibly limited buck. (A bit of a rant there)

These are what I have come up with.

Genova Labs formerly known as Great Smokies Diagnostic Lab

Genvoa Diagnostics
63 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, N.C. 28801-1074
(704) 253-0621
(800) 522-4762
Email: cs@gsdl.com
Website: http://www.gsdl.com

Specializes in tests of physiological function. Tests are non- or minimally invasive, using samples of stool, urine, saliva, blood, and hair. Results focus on how well the body is doing its job in six important areas: digestion (gastrointestinal), nutrition, detoxification/oxidative stress, immunology/allergy, production and regulation of hormones (endocrinology), and heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular).

DESCRIPTION: The CDSA 2.0 offers the most advanced non-invasive evaluation of digestion, absorption, gut flora, and the colonic environment, this profile is indicated for all chronic GI problems, for acute bowel pattern changes, and for many systemic diseases and provides a sensitivity panel for treating pathogenic flora. The CDSA 2.0 also helps identify inflammatory conditions (including subclinical inflammation) such as food allergies, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), NSAID enteropathy, and post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Pancreatic insufficiency is also assessed by via Pancreatic Elastase (PE-1) a marker that is not affected by digestive supplements, changes in stool transit time or marker variability. The addition of the Parasitology test, will also indicate whether there are any current parasitic infections.

http://www.gdx.uk.net/index.php?option=com_gpanel&Itemid=2&task=view&id=64

ANALYTE LIST:
LithoCholic Acid, Deoxycholic Acid, LCA/DCA Ratio (Calculation), Campylobacter Specific Antigen EIA, Shiga-like Toxin (E.coli) EIA, Bacteriology - aerobic, Calprotectin, Eosinophil Protein X, Pancreatic Elastase, Short Chain Fatty Acids, Bacteriology - anaerobic, Beta-Glucuronidase, Bile-Acids, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba histolytica EIA, Giardia lamblia EIA, MIC Sensitivities - Yeast, Parasitology identification - Concentrate, Parasitology identification - Trichrome stain, pH, Yeast Culture.

http://www.gdx.uk.net/index.php?option=com_gpanel&Itemid=2&task=view&id=64


Doctors Data

Doctors Data, Inc.
P.O.Box 111
West Chicago, IL 60185
(800) 323-2784
(708) 231-3649
(708) 231-9190 (fax)
Email: inquiries@doctorsdata.com
Website: http://www.doctorsdata.com

Doctor's Data, Inc. is an independent reference laboratory providing data on levels of toxic and essential elements in hair, elements, amino acids, and metabolites in blood and urine.

This particular lab offers a CSDA or three types of CSDA with parasitology options, ie; CSDA with parasitiology x1, x2, or x3. Whats the differences between these? How do these compare with the others here? Knowing this will enable a price comparison.

http://www.doctorsdata.com/tests_assessments_info.asp#Gastrointestinal

The CSDA information as follows...

The Comprehensive Stool Analysis (CSA) is an invaluable non-invasive diagnostic assessment that permits practitioners to objectively evaluate the status of beneficial and imbalanced commensal bacteria including Clostridium species, pathogenic bacteria, yeast/fungus. Precise identification of pathogenic species and susceptibility testing greatly facilitates selection of the most appropriate pharmaceutical or natural treatment agent(s).

Important information regarding the efficiency of digestion and absorption can be gleaned from the measurement of the fecal levels of elastase (pancreatic exocrine sufficiency), muscle and vegetable fibers, carbohydrates, and steatocrit (% total fat).

Inflammation can significantly increase intestinal permeability and compromise assimilation of nutrients. The extent of inflammation, whether caused by pathogens or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can be assessed and monitored by examination of the levels of biomarkers such as lysozyme, lactoferrin, white blood cells and mucus. These markers can be used to differentiate between inflammation associated with potentially life threatening inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which requires life long treatment, and less severe inflammation that can be associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which is most commonly due to the presence of enteroinvasive pathogens. Lactoferrin is only markedly elevated prior to and during the active phases of IBD, but not with IBS. Monitoring fecal lactoferrin levels in patients with IBD can therefore facilitate timely treatment of IBD, and the test can be ordered separately. Since the vast majority of secretory IgA (sIgA) is normally present in the GI tract where it prevents binding of pathogens and antigens to the mucosal membrane, it is essential to know the status of sIgA in the gut. sIgA is the only bona fide marker of humoral immune status in the GI tract.

Cornerstones of good health include proper digestion of food, assimilation of nutrients, exclusion of pathogens and timely elimination of waste. To obtain benefits from food that is consumed, nutrients must be appropriately digested and then efficiently absorbed into portal circulation. Microbes, larger sized particles of fiber, and undigested foodstuffs should remain within the intestinal lumen. Poor digestion and malabsorption of vital nutrients can contribute to degenerative diseases, compromised immune status, and nutritional deficiencies. Impairment of the highly specific nutrient uptake processes, or compromised GI barrier function (as in leaky gut syndrome) can result from a number of causes including: low gastric acid production, chronic maldigestion, food allergen impact on bowel absorptive surfaces, bacterial overgrowth or imbalances (dysbiosis); pathogenic bacteria, yeast and related toxic irritants, and the use of NSAIDs and antibiotics. Impairment of intestinal functions can contribute to the development of food allergies, systemic illnesses, autoimmune disease, and toxic overload from substances that are usually kept in the confines of the bowel for elimination. Efficient remediation of GI dysfunctions incorporates a comprehensive guided approach that should include consideration of elimination of pathogens and exposure to irritants, supplementation of hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzymes and pre- and probiotics, and repair of the mucosal barrier.

The CSA does not include analysis for parasites; for assessment of the presence for parasites, one should request the Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology (CSAP).

They do not provide an analyte list.


The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc. through MyMedLab.com

11813 W. 77th St., Lenexa, KS 66214 USA
Phone: 913-341-8949
Fax: 913-341-6207
Toll Free: 1-800-288-0383
Email: CustomerService@GPL4U.com
Website: http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/home/eng/home.asp

The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc. is the world leader in providing testing for nutritional factors in chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia, autism and ADD.

We offer a variety of metabolic tests such as immune deficiency evaluation, amino acid tests, essential fatty acid tests, glutathione levels, metal toxicity and food allergies tests. To find a specialist or to obtain a physician referral, our customer service department is available to assist you. Free 30 minute phone consultations to assist in the interpretation of our test results are also available.


https://www.mymedlab.com/about

From what I understand, MyMedLab is an extension of the Great Plains Lab. Where as Great Plains requires a doc orders, MyMedLab does not.

MyMedLab has partnered with Great Plains Laboratory to bring their cutting edge tests directly to the public. Included in this comprehensive profile is: 1) The Doctor's Order required to access testing, 2) The collection kit for a home collection. There are no additional fees to access this testing.

Comprehensive Stool Test Analysis - Many chronic disorders come from digestive problems and inadequate nutrient absorption. Even with a very complete and balanced diet, nutrients have to be properly digested to transport vitamins to different parts of the body. Proper gastrointestinal functioning also ensures elimination of toxic molecules, microbes, and undigested food particles. This helps prevent infections, toxic reactions, allergies, and other health problems. Individuals with a compromised immune system are more susceptible to opportunistic pathogens in the gut which create an imbalance and inflammation. The stool test cultures beneficial bacteria, imbalanced bacteria, dysbiotic bacteria, and yeast to determine the exact species so that correct treatment can be administered. The test will also measure digestive enzymes inflammation, microbial resistance, short chain fatty acids, Secretory IgA and more.

https://www.mymedlab.com/products/307?product_category_id=144

Since this particular test is based on the Great Plains or partnered with the Great Plains, when clicking on the comprehensive stool analysis link embedded, it redirects one to the description from the Great Plains Lab. Which includes the following...

General Description

The Comprehensive Stool Analysis detects the presence of pathogenic microorganisms such as yeast, parasites, and bacteria which contribute to chronic illness and neurological dysfunction. It provides helpful information about prescription and natural products effective against specific microorganism strains detected in the sample. The test also evaluates beneficial bacteria levels, intestinal immune function, overall intestinal health (presence of occult blood, short chain fatty acids analysis, pH, and mucus) and inflammation markers.

Many chronic disorders come from digestive problems and inadequate nutrient absorption. Proper gastrointestinal function is responsible to ensure the elimination of toxic substances, pathogenic microbes and undigested food particles from the body to prevent infections, toxic reactions, allergies and other health problems. Nutrients require a specific internal environment to be properly digested and transported to different parts of the body.

Abnormal intestinal microorganisms in gastrointestinal tract are widely known to cause disease. Research also shows the relationship between the gastrointestinal tract and other systems in the body such as the neurological, hepatic and immune systems also exists. For example, excessive yeast produces toxic substances, which can pass through the blood-brain barrier and alter neurological functioning causing brain fog, behavior problems and learning difficulties. Excessive bacteria byproducts can interfere with neurotransmitters and cause chronic fatigue. Beneficial bacteria, on the other hand, helps with vitamin absorption and preventing infections.

Test includes:
Parameters for digestion & absorption
Cultures for bacteria
Cultures for yeast
Parasite testing
Sensitivity panels
Inflammatory markers
Stool metabolic markers
Infectious pathogens

Analyte Lists:
Bacterial culture: 73 possible species of imbalanced and dysbiotic bacteria, 4 species of beneficial bacteria;
Yeast (Mycology) culture: 48 possible yeast and fungal species; Yeast (microscopy ? visible presence of yeast cells);
Parasite isolation: 22 possible parasites;
Digestion and Absorption markers: Elastase, Fat Stain, Muscle Fibers, Vegetable Fibers, and Carbohydrates;
Inflammation markers: Lysozyme, Lactoferrin, White Blood Cells, Mucus; Immunology: Secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA); Short Chain Fatty Acids: Acetate, Propionate, Butyrate, Valerate;
Intestinal health markers: Red Blood Cells, pH, Occult Blood, Yeast (microscopy ? visible presence of yeast cells);
Yeast sensitivity to: Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Nystatin, Berberine, Caprylic Acid, Goldenseal, Oregano, Tanalbit, Undecylenic Acid, Uva Ursi;
Bacterial sensitivity to: Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Augmentin, Ciprofloxacin, Trimeth-sulfa, Berberine, Black Walnut, Caprylic Acid, Cats Claw, Citrus Seed Extract, Goldenseal, Oregano, Uva Ursi;
For Staphylococcus aureus: Benzypenicillin, Oxacillin, Tetracycline, Trimeth-sulfa, Vancomycin, Berberine, Black Walnut, Caprylic Acid, Cats Claw, Citrus Seed Extract, Goldenseal, Oregano, Uva Ursi

More info at this link... http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/home/eng/stool.asp

So although the actual test being ordered does not include reference to parasitology, it is in the description. Will have to clarify this point at a later date.

Sooooo.......which one?

Laurie
 

Francelle

Senior Member
Messages
444
Location
Victoria, Australia
I guess in the absence of having a practitioner interpret the results for you, you need to choose a lab that 1). best describes the findings and their meaning on paper for you, as well as, 2). makes some suggestions as to how to treat.

The problem (as I see it) with not having a medical practitioner endorsing your testing is that it can be tricky if treatment involves something more than alternative options, such as antibiotics, but I certainly understand doing things independently at times.

I have been contemplating having the CDSA done and last week called the (only) lab that does them here and they were quite helpful when I posed a list of questions. So calling the lab helpline may give you some better clue as to who to go through.

You have done some comprehensive research and I'm sure you will make a good choice!
 

Mij

Messages
2,353
Laurie, I had the CDSA and Parasitology test done in 2001. They do provide you with a "commentary" report. I personally didn't find it too helpful for my situation and wished I hadn't spend the money but you may find "something" in there that you can follow up on.
The test indicated "no growth" Lactobacillus species and low Bidobaterium so I followed up on a possible bacterial infection.
I was "slight" on the low range dysbiosis.
I tested positive for H.Pylori and was treated for this successfully.
 

richvank

Senior Member
Messages
2,732
Hi, Laurie.

Metametrix offers a stool test, also. Theirs uses DNA analysis to identify the bacteria, yeasts and parasites, rather than culturing them. It's called the G.I. Function profile. The Doctor's Data, Genova and Metametrix tests can all be obtained without a doctor's order from www.directlabs.com

I don't know which of these is best. I've seen several test results from all of them, and they seem to cover pretty much the same things. The Metametrix test may have an advantage in that some pathogens don't grow very well in culture, and their test doesn't depend on that.

Best regards,

Rich
 

LaurieL

Senior Member
Messages
447
Location
Midwest
Rich,

Metametrix Clinical Laboratory

How do I request laboratory testing?
Only a licensed healthcare professional, including MDs and DOs in all states, may order test kits. NDs, DCs, nutritionists, and other healthcare providers may also order, depending on your state regulations.

If you would like to request Metametrix testing from your clinician, please go to the Request Testing page for instructions and a downloadable form.
If you need assistance finding a clinician in your area who can help you order Metametrix tests, please refer to the Clinician Referral Program page for more information.

Thank you anyways, I appreciate it but this will be done without a doc at this time. I should explain albeit somewhat vaguely. I do plan on participation from a doc at some point. But until that time, I am quite comfortable in doing this without. Again, lack of healthcare as well as finances. Everything depends on me in my household. I work or we don't live. Money is tight.

I think any type of direction as far as my intestines are concerned would be money very well spent. H. pylori is a nasty little bugger and would be well worth knowing if one had it. I have been screaming bacterial translocation for years and yet still no test to date. I was on chemotherapuetic doses of Cipro by mouth, and many others by IV for almost 12 years amongst others. This will be very telling in light of what they have failed to do by me considering my history and my presentation of symptoms.

This is only one piece of my own personal puzzle. One I need.

So again, although I would personally prefer a doc and the metametrix, at this point in time, and after all I have been subjected to, and my financial limitations, I thank you very much for this suggestion.

Laurie
 

globalpilot

Senior Member
Messages
626
Location
Ontario
Laurie,

You can order the Metametrix test without a doctor ... through direct labs as Rich stated. You basically order the test through them, and they send you the kit and later on the results. You don't pay them for anything other than the test and you don't have a consult with a doctor. They bascially fill the gap for those of us desiring to order tests without going through a doctor. I use them regularly and have found this service to be extremely helpful in that 1) I dont' have to beg my doc for a test and 2) you get the results back within a week or 10 days instead of having to wait for your next appointment.

I don't know of any other way to get a CDSA test done without a doctor other than going through an online referral service like direct labs.
 

LaurieL

Senior Member
Messages
447
Location
Midwest
Wow. After working several double shifts back to back since thursday, that fact was just not sinking in. Got it now after some food and rest. :thumbsup:

Will add to list.

Laurie