Genova tests, CDSA vs CDSA 2.0

[stasik]

Hi all, I am new here, but been dealing with chronic fatigue for a while. Among many other symptoms, one of the most prevalent ones is extreme food sensitivity and apparent digesting, and constipation problems.
Another issue is that here in Canada, I cannot find anyone who can help me (if you mention intestinal permeability or CFS to most doctors/internists/indocrinologists, they have a glazed look in their eyes). I had a visit with a CFS specialist, and long story short is that I am pretty much alone, doctoring myself.

Anyway I am going to be in the US for a week, and while I'm there, I was considering getting the Intestinal Permeability test, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, and the Comprehensive Stool analysis.

I have several questions
- Are these tests worth getting, in terms of their diagnostics and ability to help
- What is the difference in CDSA and CDSA 2.0? Should I get the one with the parasitology? I had parasites tested at a local lab, but I am sure they are not as comprehensive as Genova
- Are there other alternative providers that either offer better service, or better value? Obviously I will get zero coverage for any of this.

Thanks a lot in advance

 

[Sushi]

stasik

I've had most of these tests and in my experience you need a knowledgeable doctor to implement treatment from the results.

Since the parisitology test uses a stool sample instead of a scraping from the bowel (where the parasites attach to the wall) it is going to be hit and miss if you happen to catch a parasite that has "fallen off the wall." Also, the Genova tests are not anaerobic so they can miss some of those bacteria.

I've had the test from Redlabs (http://www.redlabs.be/red-labs/our-tests/dysbiosis-testing-msa.php) and I think it is a really good test (more comprehensive, uses DNA) but again you need a knowledgeable doctor to interpret it and implement treatment. And, doubt if you can ship the kit fast enough from the US or Canada.

Tough problem.

Best wishes with this,
Sushi

 

[stasik]

Thanks Sushi,

So with regard to Genova, are these tests worth doing at all, even without the parasitology? How can I get a proper parasitology test done?

I looked at the differences between CDSA and CDSA 2, and (Other than the large price differences), here is what I found to be unique (see below)

And it looks like they removed a lot of the useless stuff from CDSA. Color? I'm not a lab technician, but I think I can take a stab at that one.

So is CDSA 2 worth getting, assuming I find a doctor here in Toronto who can interpret them?

 

[Sushi]

That is a hard question! I think I'd look for the doctor first (Genova will give you a list of doctors in your area who use their tests) and maybe get their opinion. The doctor is just as important as the test.

I had better luck with a parasitologist in New York City for that aspect.

Best,
Sushi