Parasitology x3-Doctor's Data Kit. Where to purchase?

[tootsieroll]

Hello all! I was wondering if it's possible to purchase specific tests without being under the care of a doctor or naturopath. Any reputable stores or sites? I have a lot of GI issues and was looking to order the Parasitology x3-Doctor's Data Kit. I have heard it is very accurate and picks up certain pathogens that aren't detected in other tests. Also I live in Ontario, and wondering how these tests differ from the ones ordered by a family physician. Thanks!

 

[LINE]

Last time I checked, there were online physicians who could order this, not sure if they cover Doctor's Data. GI testing (specifically parasitology) are well known to be hit or miss. Some people (including myself) had to test via many labs. Some people give up on testing and just treat.

 

[Pyrrhus]

GI testing (specifically parasitology) are well known to be hit or miss.

I noticed this when testing stool for a cause of unusual diarrhea. The first stool test found nothing, but the second and third tests revealed Giardia, which was easily treated. Turns out I had picked up Giardia swimming in a public pool with a faulty water filter.

 

[tootsieroll]

This is great information. @Pyrrhus which tests did you use? @LINE I figured this might be the case. Out of curiosity and the possibility of stumbling across some unknown factor, I will still take a test and if nothing comes of it then I will proceed to treat anyways. But do guys know how these tests differ from the tests given by family doctors?

 

[LINE]

Parasites testing is usually via microscopy - the tech looks for ova (eggs) which would be worm infection, protozoa infection is different but still considered parasitical. Protozoa are quite small (and do not produce ova). They match these shapes and definitions to their lab books. If they do not see a "match" then you get a negative. So this means if there is a pathogenic organism that does not match to images, then you get a false negative.

PCR is another style of testing which is considered more accurate since it looks for matching DNA. However if the DNA is not found in their database, then again you get a false negative.

The gut can also harbor rogue bacteria that could be causing trouble. These would not be under parasite testing but other stool tests. Treatment of these different forms of pathogens do have some differences, for instance protozoa would be treated differently than worm parasites.

I have an outside forum that deals specifically with protozoa parasites, let me know if you want that link.

 

[Pyrrhus]

That's a very clear, informative explanation, @LINE !

. @Pyrrhus which tests did you use?

I'm afraid I don't remember, it was some standard test that my doctor ordered.

 

[tootsieroll]

Thank you! @LINE This is perfect. Exactly what I needed to know. I see the test I wanted specifically, Doctors Data Parasitology x3, doesn't use the PCR style of testing. It uses microscopy and gram staining. The GI 360 profile uses PCR technique and now I'm not sure which one would give better results. Parasitology x3 seems to be a popular one and now I'm conflicted as to which one to choose.
@Pyrrhus I am curious if these tests would be of interest to you and may give a wider scope into your GI health.

 

[LINE]

Genova used to do PCR and ran into problems with it due to a problem called parasite present, taxonomy unknown. This is why I started a forum called PPTU which dealt with this issue. In other words, they would get DNA matches on parasites, but could not give specifics of which parasite if any. So many people were left scratching their heads. They reverted back to microscopy because of this. The problem with this and testing is the catalog of known pathogenic organisms is limited. In other words, there are many other parasites besides say giardia or cryptosporidium etc that are pathogenic.

 

[Pyrrhus]

Genova used to do PCR and ran into problems with it due to a problem called parasite present, taxonomy unknown. This is why I started a forum called PPTU which dealt with this issue. In other words, they would get DNA matches on parasites, but could not give specifics of which parasite if any. So many people were left scratching their heads. They reverted back to microscopy because of this. The problem with this and testing is the catalog of known pathogenic organisms is limited. In other words, there are many other parasites besides say giardia or cryptosporidium etc that are pathogenic.

That's really interesting. Would you be willing to share the website for PPTU?

 

[LINE]

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/pptu/

Keep in mind that the forum's main thrust is protozoa infections. The forum needs some cleanup, so hopefully you can navigate. If you need some help finding things, let me know.

You should find the good info under "general" and "Biofilm busters/Efflux & MDR " if you experiencing resistance.

I can tell you that there has been little definitive conclusions, that is finding the remedy is more of a hit or miss situation. Dr. Christian Stensvold is a leading researcher of protozoa who says there is no definitive treatment for the protozoa blastocystis. Note that blastocystis is a protozoa but does have more comprehensive life cycles than say giardia. Here is his blog about blastocystis http://www.blastocystis.net/2012/06/circular-problem-of-blastocystis.html

There is another resource which is badbugs.org. They catalog treatments and you can see that there are many combinations that users submitted. Again, no definitive treatment protocol.

 

[minimus]

Life Extension sells a comprehensive stool analysis test with parasitology direct to consumers, no prescription required, for $375 (Link).

The attached sample report from Life Extension shows that the stool test is actually run by Doctor's Data.

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On a different note, the current favorite stool test among "holistic" GI experts on the web and even ME/CFS specialist Paul Cheney seems to be Diagnostic Solutions' GI-MAP test, which uses "qPCR" technology.

About a year ago, I saw a well-regarded nutritionist for SIBO testing. I mentioned that I had results from a GI-MAP test from early 2108. She said she doesn't trust Diagnostic Solutions because she had gotten back a number of discordant, non-sensical GI-MAP results when testing the same patients sequentially -- both before and after treatment. (Also, the fact that the Chief Medical Officer of Diagnostic Solutions appears to be a chiropractor, not an MD or PhD, doesn't instill all that much confidence.)

 

[tootsieroll]

It's been such a busy period. And I had to scramble to find a doctor who would provide such testing. My general physician refused to give these test options a look over due to time constraint. Most naturopaths I spoke to do not use Doctors Data so I made an appointment with one who provides GI-MAP testing. Exactly what was advised against above. But I figured, any test results are better than feeling in the dark. I may get a test done by Doctors Data in the future just to compare. It's surprising to see GI-MAP being the popular choice.