Comprehensive Stool Analysis Test UK – Doctor’s Data CSA+P
What Is a Comprehensive Stool Analysis Test?
A Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology (CSA+P) is an at-home stool test that examines gut bacteria, yeast, intestinal parasites, digestive function and markers of intestinal in
The test is performed by Doctor’s Data, a specialist laboratory in the United States, and is available throughout the UK through Nutrition & Vitality.
Unlike routine NHS stool tests, which are generally used to investigate specific medical conditions, the CSA+P combines several assessments into one laboratory profile. These include bacterial and yeast cultures, gastrointestinal pathogens, parasite testing, pancreatic elastase, calprotectin, secretory IgA and short-chain fatty acids.
A comprehensive stool analysis may provide additional information when investigating persistent digestive symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal discomfort.
However, some findings, particularly those relating to gut microbiome imbalances, have limited established clinical significance and should be interpreted alongside symptoms and conventional medical investigations.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis UK – £355
Laboratory: Doctor’s Data, USA
Home testing: Available throughout the UK
Results: Approximately 2–3 weeks
Sample collection: At home using the supplied test kit
Consultations: Optional appointments in London or online
How to order: Complete our online request form. Payment instructions will be emailed separately, and your test kit will be dispatched once payment has been received.
What Does a Comprehensive Stool Analysis Test For?
The Doctor’s Data Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology (CSA+P) examines a wide range of microorganisms and digestive health markers. The test combines bacterial and yeast cultures, pathogen and parasite detection, and measurements of digestive function, intestinal inflammation and gut immune activity.
The comprehensive stool test assesses the following nine areas:
Beneficial, commensal and dysbiotic bacteria — Examines bacteria normally found in the gut, including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides fragilis group, Enterococcus, Clostridium and Enterobacter. This assessment can identify changes in cultured bacterial populations, including potentially opportunistic microorganisms associated with gut dysbiosis.
Pathogenic bacteria and viruses — Screens for selected gastrointestinal pathogens, including Campylobacter, Salmonella, Clostridioides difficile, norovirus and rotavirus. These microorganisms may cause intestinal infections associated with diarrhoea, abdominal pain and other digestive symptoms.
Yeast and fungi — Uses laboratory culture to identify yeast and fungi, including Candida species. This can help assess the presence of fungal organisms in the stool, although detecting yeast does not necessarily indicate an infection or require treatment.
Intestinal parasites — Investigates parasites such as Giardia, Blastocystis, Dientamoeba fragilis and certain intestinal worms. These organisms may be relevant when investigating persistent diarrhoea, bloating or abdominal discomfort, although their clinical significance varies.
Digestive and absorption markers — Measures pancreatic elastase, faecal fat and carbohydrates. These markers can provide information about pancreatic enzyme output and possible difficulties digesting or absorbing nutrients.
Intestinal inflammation — Measures calprotectin, lactoferrin and lysozyme. These markers can provide information about inflammatory activity in the gastrointestinal tract. Elevated calprotectin or lactoferrin may indicate the need for further medical investigation.
Gut immune function — Measures secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), an antibody involved in immune protection at the intestinal mucosal surface. The clinical interpretation of stool sIgA is less established than that of conventional inflammatory markers.
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) — Measures acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate and total short-chain fatty acids. These compounds are produced largely through bacterial fermentation of dietary fibre and play important roles in intestinal function. Stool concentrations provide indirect information about microbial activity rather than a definitive measure of gut microbiome health.
Other intestinal health markers — Includes stool pH, occult blood and selected physical or microscopic stool characteristics. These findings provide additional information about the stool sample and may help identify abnormalities requiring further assessment.
Understanding your results
A Comprehensive Stool Analysis brings together multiple measurements of digestive and intestinal health. However, not every abnormal result indicates disease, and changes in gut bacteria or microbial metabolites do not necessarily require treatment.
Results should be interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history and other investigations where appropriate.
What Is the Difference Between a Comprehensive Stool Analysis and an NHS Stool Test?
The main difference between a Comprehensive Stool Analysis (CSA) and an NHS stool test is the range of markers assessed together and the purpose of the testing.
NHS stool tests are generally requested to investigate specific medical conditions, such as intestinal infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatic insufficiency or hidden blood in the stool. The tests performed depend on the patient’s symptoms and clinical history.
The Doctor’s Data Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology (CSA+P) combines several assessments within a single laboratory profile. Alongside established markers such as pancreatic elastase and calprotectin, it examines gut bacteria, yeast, intestinal parasites, immune markers and short-chain fatty acids.
One of the key differences is the assessment of gut bacteria and yeast alongside digestive and inflammatory markers, which are not routinely examined together through standard NHS stool testing. The CSA+P also includes an assessment of intestinal parasites, although NHS laboratories can perform targeted or extended parasite testing when clinically indicated.
This broader profile may provide additional information when investigating persistent bloating, constipation, diarrhoea or other unexplained digestive symptoms, particularly when previous investigations have not identified a clear cause.
However, a Comprehensive Stool Analysis does not replace NHS investigations, and some findings, particularly those relating to gut microbiome imbalances, have limited established clinical significance.
How Can I Order a Comprehensive Stool Analysis in the UK?
You can order the Doctor’s Data Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology (CSA+P) directly through Nutrition & Vitality for £355.
The test is available throughout the UK and can be completed at home.
To order your test, simply contact us with your full name and postal address. We will arrange for your test kit to be dispatched within two working days.
Your kit includes the materials and instructions needed to collect your stool samples at home.
Order Your Comprehensive Stool Analysis – £355
What Can a Comprehensive Stool Analysis Reveal?
A Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology (CSA+P) provides information about several aspects of digestive and intestinal health, including bacterial imbalances, digestive function, nutrient malabsorption and intestinal inflammation.
1. Gut Bacteria and Dysbiosis
The test examines selected beneficial, commensal and potentially harmful bacteria found in the intestine using laboratory culture and other targeted methods.
It may identify:
- Reduced growth of certain beneficial bacteria in stool culture.
- Increased levels of opportunistic or potentially pathogenic bacteria.
- The presence of selected bacterial pathogens.
- Changes in cultured bacterial populations that may be described as gut dysbiosis.
Although these findings provide information about the bacteria detected in the sample, they do not represent a complete assessment of gut microbiome diversity. Bacterial imbalances should be interpreted alongside symptoms and medical history.
2. Digestive Function and Nutrient Absorption
A Comprehensive Stool Analysis measures several markers that can help assess digestion and identify possible problems with nutrient absorption.
Important markers include:
- Pancreatic elastase: Helps assess pancreatic exocrine function. Low levels may suggest exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, although watery stools can sometimes produce falsely low results.
- Faecal fat: Elevated levels may indicate impaired fat digestion or absorption.
- Stool carbohydrates and undigested food residues: May provide additional information about incomplete digestion, although these are less specific indicators.
These measurements may be relevant when investigating persistent diarrhoea, greasy stools, unexplained weight loss or suspected malabsorption.
3. Intestinal Inflammation
The CSA+P includes several biomarkers that provide information about inflammatory activity within the gastrointestinal tract.
These include:
- Calprotectin: An established marker of intestinal inflammation, commonly used to help distinguish inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from non-inflammatory conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Lactoferrin: A marker associated with intestinal inflammation and neutrophil activity.
- Lysozyme: An additional marker of inflammatory activity, although its clinical use is less established than calprotectin.
Elevated inflammatory markers may indicate the need for further medical investigation. A stool test alone cannot diagnose inflammatory bowel disease.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis UK – Test Information
- Price: £355
- Availability: UK-wide home testing
- Laboratory: Doctor’s Data, USA
- Sample collection: At home using the supplied collection kit
- Results: Approximately 2–3 weeks after laboratory receipt
How are the samples collected?
The standard test requires just two or three bowel movement, making it a convenient option for assessing different aspects of digestive health.
Your home testing kit contains everything needed to collect your sample, including collection materials, specimen containers and detailed instructions.
Using the materials provided, you collect a small amount of stool and transfer it into two specimen vials. The samples must then be stored according to the laboratory’s instructions and returned using the approved shipping arrangements.
Collecting samples over several days can improve the likelihood of detecting parasites that may not be present in every bowel movement.
The results take 2-3 weeks.
Do I Need to Stop Any Supplements or Medications Before a Comprehensive Stool Analysis?
Certain medications and supplements can influence the results of a comprehensive stool analysis. To help ensure reliable testing, Doctors Data provides specific preparation guidelines.
Two -four weeks before collecting your sample, the laboratory recommends avoiding antibiotics, antifungal and antiparasitic medications, probiotic supplements, proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole) and bismuth-containing products, where medically appropriate.
Two days before collection, the laboratory recommends avoiding digestive enzymes, laxatives, antacids, aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications, activated charcoal, betaine HCl and bentonite clay.
You should also avoid collecting your sample during menstruation or when experiencing active bleeding from haemorrhoids.
How much does a csa test cost UK?
The cost of the comprehensive stool test is £355. We offer the test at our clinic in London or via post at home. You can order one here:
Frequently Asked Questions About Comprehensive Stool Analysis
Can a comprehensive stool analysis detect leaky gut?
A comprehensive stool analysis assesses several aspects of intestinal health, including intestinal inflammation, digestive function and mucosal immune activity.
However, these measurements cannot independently diagnose increased intestinal permeability, commonly referred to as “leaky gut”. Specific investigations may be required when intestinal permeability is suspected.
Can a comprehensive stool analysis identify food intolerances?
A comprehensive stool analysis cannot directly diagnose lactose intolerance, gluten-related disorders or other food intolerances.
However, the test examines several markers of digestive and absorptive function, including pancreatic elastase, faecal fat and stool carbohydrates, which may help identify abnormalities requiring further investigation.
Additional tests, such as lactose hydrogen breath testing or coeliac disease screening, may be recommended depending on symptoms.
Can antibiotics or probiotics affect comprehensive stool analysis results?
Yes. Antibiotics, antifungals and probiotics can alter the composition of the gut microbiome and may influence the microorganisms detected during stool analysis.
Certain medications and supplements may also affect digestive function and other stool markers.
It is important to follow the laboratory’s preparation instructions before collecting your sample. Prescribed medication should not be discontinued without medical advice.
Can I do a comprehensive stool analysis test at home?
Yes. Comprehensive stool analysis can be carried out using a home collection kit, allowing you to collect your stool sample in the privacy of your own home.
We offers comprehensive stool testing throughout the UK.
Order a Comprehensive Stool Analysis
If you would like to order a test, please send us your name, date of birth and address and we will send you a secure payment link.
Others markers being measured:
4. Gut Immune Function
The Doctor’s Data Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology (CSA+P) measures secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), an antibody involved in the gut’s immune defence.
Secretory IgA helps protect the intestinal lining by interacting with microorganisms and supporting immune responses at the mucosal surface.
Although changes in stool sIgA levels may provide additional information about intestinal immune activity, their clinical significance is not fully established. Low or elevated results should not be interpreted as evidence of immune dysfunction without considering other clinical findings.
5. Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)
Short-chain fatty acids are produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fibre and other carbohydrates in the large intestine.
The comprehensive stool test measures several short-chain fatty acids, including:
Butyrate: An important energy source for cells lining the colon and involved in maintaining the intestinal barrier.
Acetate: The most abundant short-chain fatty acid, involved in microbial fermentation and host metabolism.
Propionate: Contributes to metabolic processes and communication between the gut and the rest of the body.
Valerate: A less abundant short-chain fatty acid produced through microbial fermentation.
Total short-chain fatty acids: Provides information about the combined concentration of these microbial metabolites in the stool.
Short-chain fatty acid levels may offer indirect information about intestinal microbial activity. However, stool concentrations do not necessarily reflect how much is produced or absorbed in the intestine, and there are no universally established thresholds for diagnosing gut dysbiosis.
6. Yeast and Fungal Organisms
A Comprehensive Stool Analysis can identify certain yeasts and fungi through laboratory culture, including Candida species.
Yeast may be present naturally in the gastrointestinal tract without causing symptoms. However, laboratory testing can identify increased growth of certain organisms in the stool sample.
Finding Candida in stool does not necessarily indicate an intestinal fungal infection, and results should be interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history and other relevant investigations.
7. Gastrointestinal Pathogens and Parasites
The Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology investigates selected microorganisms that may cause gastrointestinal infections.
These can include:
Pathogenic bacteria: Such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and Clostridioides difficile.
Gastrointestinal viruses: Such as norovirus and adenovirus, where included in the laboratory profile.
Protozoan parasites: Including Giardia, Blastocystis and Dientamoeba fragilis.
Intestinal worms: Certain helminths that may be identified through parasitological examination.
Depending on the organism and laboratory profile, testing may involve culture, molecular methods such as PCR, or microscopic examination.
Identifying a microorganism does not always establish that it is responsible for digestive symptoms. Some organisms can be carried without causing illness, while others require medical assessment and potentially targeted treatment.
8. Additional Intestinal Health Markers
A comprehensive stool analysis also includes measurements and observations that provide further information about the stool sample.
These may include:
Stool pH: Measures acidity or alkalinity, which may be influenced by bacterial fermentation and other digestive processes.
Occult blood: Detects blood that is not visible to the naked eye and may indicate a need for further investigation.
Stool consistency and appearance: Records physical characteristics that can provide additional context when assessing digestive symptoms.
These findings should be considered alongside the other laboratory results and the patient’s clinical history.
What does a sample report look like?
What type of methodology does the CSA use?
Doctor’s Data CSA uses a combination of traditional microbial culture, MALDI-TOF identification, multiplex PCR and biochemical testing.
These include traditional bacterial and yeast cultures, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to identify cultured organisms, and multiplex PCR to detect selected gastrointestinal pathogens. Additional methods, including immunoassays, microscopy and biochemical analysis, measure digestive enzymes, inflammatory markers and short-chain fatty acids.
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What type of symptoms and conditions might the test help with?
A Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology (CSA+P) may provide useful information when investigating persistent digestive symptoms, particularly when previous tests have not identified a clear cause.
The test examines digestive function, intestinal inflammation, selected gut microorganisms and intestinal parasites. It may help investigate the following conditions:
1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a common digestive disorder associated with abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea.
Although a comprehensive stool analysis cannot diagnose IBS, markers such as pancreatic elastase, calprotectin and selected gastrointestinal pathogens may help investigate other conditions that can produce similar symptoms.
2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
The CSA+P measures inflammatory markers, including calprotectin, lactoferrin and lysozyme. Elevated levels may indicate intestinal inflammation and the need for further medical investigation.
Faecal calprotectin is also commonly used to monitor intestinal inflammation in people with established IBD.
3. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs when the pancreas does not produce or deliver sufficient digestive enzymes to break down food effectively.
Symptoms may include diarrhoea, greasy stools, bloating and unexplained weight loss.
The pancreatic elastase measurement included in the CSA+P is an established marker used to help investigate pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.
4. Gastrointestinal Bacterial and Viral Infections
Certain bacterial and viral infections can cause diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and other digestive symptoms.
The CSA+P screens for selected gastrointestinal pathogens, including:
Salmonella
Campylobacter
Pathogenic strains of E. coli
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile)
Norovirus
Rotavirus A
Identifying a gastrointestinal pathogen may help guide further medical assessment and appropriate treatment.
5. Intestinal Parasitic Infections
Intestinal parasites can sometimes cause persistent diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal discomfort and nutrient malabsorption.
The Doctor’s Data CSA+P investigates parasites including Giardia, Blastocystis, Dientamoeba fragilis and certain intestinal worms.
The three-sample parasitology option may improve detection of parasites that are not shed consistently in every bowel movement.
6. Fat Malabsorption and Digestive Disorders
Fat malabsorption may cause greasy, pale or difficult-to-flush stools, diarrhoea and unexplained weight loss.
The CSA+P includes pancreatic elastase and qualitative faecal fat testing, which may help identify abnormalities in pancreatic function or fat digestion and absorption.
Abnormal findings may indicate that further investigations are needed to establish the underlying cause.
7. Gut Dysbiosis
Gut dysbiosis refers to changes in the composition or activity of microorganisms within the digestive tract.
The CSA+P assesses selected beneficial, commensal and potentially harmful gut bacteria, alongside short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, acetate and propionate.
These findings may provide additional information about gut microbial activity, although the test does not measure the entire gut microbiome or independently diagnose dysbiosis as the cause of symptoms.
8. Persistent Digestive Symptoms Following Food Poisoning
Some people experience ongoing bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea or altered bowel habits after food poisoning or gastroenteritis.
The CSA+P may help identify certain persistent gastrointestinal infections, parasites or markers of intestinal inflammation.
However, persistent symptoms following gastroenteritis can also be associated with post-infectious IBS, which cannot be diagnosed through stool testing alone.
Is a Comprehensive Stool Analysis Suitable for Everyone?
A comprehensive stool analysis does not replace conventional medical investigations, and not all abnormal findings require treatment.
The most appropriate testing depends on your symptoms, medical history and previous investigations. A qualified healthcare professional can help determine which findings are clinically relevant.
Can a comprehensive stool analysis detect IBS?
There is no single stool test that can diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is generally diagnosed from a patient’s symptoms, medical history and appropriate investigations to exclude other conditions.
A comprehensive stool analysis may provide additional information about digestive function, inflammation and gut microorganisms.
Can a comprehensive stool analysis identify the cause of bloating?
Persistent bloating can have several causes, including constipation, food intolerances, IBS, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and digestive disorders.
Comprehensive stool analysis may identify certain abnormalities, such as reduced pancreatic enzyme function or an overgrowth of yeast and opportunistic bacteria that may be linked to bloating.
What is the difference between comprehensive stool analysis and GI-MAP?
Doctor’s Data Comprehensive Stool Analysis uses a combination of laboratory techniques, including microbial culture, organism identification and molecular testing for selected pathogens.
GI-MAP primarily uses quantitative PCR (qPCR) to detect and measure DNA from selected gastrointestinal microorganisms.
Both tests also assess certain digestive, inflammatory and immune markers. The most appropriate test depends on the patient’s symptoms and the information required.
Can a comprehensive stool analysis detect gut dysbiosis?
Comprehensive stool analysis can identify alterations in the levels of selected beneficial, commensal and potentially harmful microorganisms.
These findings may suggest changes in the gut microbiome, often described as dysbiosis.
Does comprehensive stool analysis detect Candida?
Yes, the comprehensive stool analysis profiles include yeast culture to identify organisms such as Candida albicans and other Candida species.
Can comprehensive stool analysis detect SIBO?
No. A comprehensive stool analysis primarily examines microorganisms and markers present in faeces, which largely reflect the large intestine.
Hydrogen and methane breath testing is commonly used to investigate suspected SIBO and intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO).
Is a comprehensive stool analysis worth doing?
A comprehensive stool analysis may be worth considering when persistent gastrointestinal symptoms require further investigation, particularly where digestive function, intestinal inflammation or selected infections are being assessed.
Case Study- James
James had long-standing IBS-C and post-meal bloating; His CSA test showed an overgrowth of yeast and mild dysbiosis. After a 4-week plan (diet, anti-fungals and probiotics) his stools became more regular and bloating reduced.
Case Study – Kate
Kate had cyclical acne with bloating/food reactions; The CSA showed Candida overgrowth and elevated Citrobacter. A 8-week plan (phased low-sugar diet, microbiome-supportive fibre, targeted nutraceuticals) led to calmer skin and less bloating by weeks 6–8.
What Parasites does the CSA test Detect?
Pathogens and Analytes
Parasites and Worms Detected by CSA:
Parasites:
Intestinal Parasites and Protozoa
Blastocystis species
Giardia duodenalis (formerly Giardia lamblia)
Entamoeba histolytica
Cryptosporidium species
Dientamoeba fragilis
Chilomastix mesnili
Endolimax nana
Entamoeba coli
Pentatrichomonas hominis
Balantidium coli
Entamoeba hartmanni
Entamoeba polecki
Enteromonas hominis
Iodamoeba bütschlii
Cystoisospora belli (formerly Isospora belli)
Beneficial and Commensal Gut Bacteria
The test uses bacterial culture to assess several groups of bacteria normally present in the digestive tract, including:
Bacteroides fragilis group
Bifidobacterium species
Lactobacillus species
Escherichia coli
Enterococcus species
Clostridium species
Dysbiotic and Potentially Harmful Bacteria
The CSA+P can identify various bacteria through culture, including:
Bacillus species
Citrobacter species
Enterobacter species
Enterococcus faecalis
Enterococcus faecium
Klebsiella species
Morganella species
Proteus species
Pseudomonas species
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Staphylococcus species
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus species
Worms:
Intestinal Worms (Helminths)
The Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology (CSA+P) uses stool microscopy to look for intestinal worms and their eggs or larvae, including:
Ascaris lumbricoides – Roundworm
Strongyloides stercoralis – Threadworm
Hookworms – Including Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus
Trichuris trichiura – Whipworm
Bacterial Pathogens Detected by CSA+P
The Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology (CSA+P) uses molecular testing (PCR) to screen for several gastrointestinal bacterial pathogens, including:
- Campylobacter – C. jejuni, C. coli and C. lari
- Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) – Toxin A/B genes
- Escherichia coli O157
- Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) – LT/ST toxin genes
- Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) – stx1/stx2 toxin genes
- Salmonella species
- Shigella species – including S. sonnei, S. flexneri, S. boydii and S. dysenteriae
- Vibrio cholerae
Viral Pathogens:
The Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology (CSA+P) uses multiplex PCR testing to screen for three groups of gastrointestinal viruses:
Adenovirus F40/41
Norovirus GI/GII – Genogroups I and II
Rotavirus A
These viruses can cause gastrointestinal infections, with symptoms including diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort.
Fungi / Yeast:
The Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology (CSA+P) uses fungal culture to identify yeast present in the digestive tract, which may include:
Candida albicans
Candida parapsilosis
Candida glabrata
Candida tropicalis
Candida krusei (Pichia kudriavzevii)
Other Candida species
Saccharomyces cerevisiae/boulardii
Geotrichum species
Rhodotorula species
Gastrointestinal Health Markers
- Occult Blood – detects hidden blood in the stool, which may require further medical investigation.
- Stool pH – measures stool acidity and may provide information about intestinal fermentation.
- Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) – including butyrate, acetate, propionate and valerate, which are produced through bacterial fermentation and play important roles in intestinal health.
Intestinal Health Markers:
Digestion and Absorption
Pancreatic Elastase-1 – measures pancreatic elastase in stool to help assess pancreatic exocrine function and identify possible pancreatic insufficiency.
Faecal Fat Stain – assesses the presence of fat in stool, which may indicate problems with fat digestion or absorption.
Stool Carbohydrates – detects certain undigested sugars that may indicate carbohydrate malabsorption.
Muscle and Vegetable Fibres – microscopic markers that provide additional information about the presence of undigested food in the stool.
Gut Immune Function
Secretory IgA (sIgA) – an antibody involved in protecting the intestinal lining and supporting the gut’s immune defence.
Intestinal Inflammation
Calprotectin – an established marker of intestinal inflammation, commonly used by the NHS to help investigate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Lactoferrin – a marker of intestinal inflammation associated with white blood cell activity.
Lysozyme – an enzyme involved in intestinal immune defence that may be elevated in inflammatory conditions.
Shipping Instructions
Collect the stool sample following the instructions supplied with your test kit.
Label all specimen containers with your full name, date of birth and collection date.
Store the samples at the correct temperature. For the standard Doctor’s Data CSA kit, the white-top vial must be frozen overnight and the yellow-top vial refrigerated. Follow the instructions for your particular kit.
Package the samples securely in the supplied protective bags and return packaging, including the completed laboratory request form.
Post Monday to Thursday, ideally as early in the week as possible. Avoid Fridays, weekends and the days immediately before bank holidays.
Use the prepaid Royal Mail Tracked 24 return service, where supplied, and retain your tracking number.
What happens when my results are back?
We will email these to you within 3 weeks.
What are the Collection Instructions for the CSA stool test?
Before collecting your sample
Wait at least 4 weeks after a colonoscopy or barium enema.
Avoid collecting during menstruation or while experiencing active haemorrhoidal bleeding.
Two weeks before testing, the laboratory recommends avoiding antibiotics, antifungals, antiparasitics, probiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and bismuth.
Two days before testing, it recommends avoiding laxatives, digestive enzymes, aspirin and other NSAIDs, antacids, activated charcoal, betaine HCl and bentonite clay.
Can I book a consultation for Interpretation for my CSA test Results?
Receiving your stool test results is just the first step towards understanding your digestive health. We offer personalised consultations at Harley Street in London or online via Zoom, helping you understand your findings and what they may mean for your symptoms.
1. Expert Interpretation of Your Results
We carefully review your Comprehensive Stool Analysis results, looking for potential imbalances in gut bacteria, yeast, parasites, digestive function and markers of intestinal inflammation. We consider these findings alongside your symptoms, medical history and overall health to help identify possible contributing factors.
2. Understanding What Your Results Mean
Stool test reports can be complex and difficult to interpret. We explain your findings in clear, straightforward language, helping you understand which results may be relevant to your symptoms and which may not require treatment.
3. A Personalised Gut Health Plan
Based on your results and individual symptoms, we develop a tailored plan that may include:
Dietary recommendations to help reduce bloating, abdominal discomfort and other digestive symptoms.
Targeted nutritional supplements where appropriate to support digestive function and gut health.
Strategies to support your gut microbiome, including beneficial bacteria and microbial diversity.
Lifestyle recommendations to support digestion, bowel regularity and overall wellbeing.
4. Ongoing Support and Follow-Up
Improving digestive health can take time. Follow-up consultations allow us to monitor your symptoms, assess your progress and adjust your recommendations where necessary.
5. Further Investigations Where Appropriate
If your results or symptoms suggest that additional investigation may be beneficial, we can discuss further testing or recommend consultation with your GP or an appropriate medical specialist.
Take the Next Step Towards Better Gut Health
You don’t have to interpret your stool test results alone. Whether you are struggling with persistent bloating, IBS symptoms, constipation or unexplained digestive discomfort, we can help you make sense of your results and develop a practical, personalised plan.
Book a consultation at Harley Street or via Zoom to discuss your results and the next steps for your gut health.
How long do CSA test results take?
The turnaround time for results is 2- 3 weeks. The results will be e-mailed to you.
Who should use the CSA test?
If you have symptoms of IBS and would like to test for inflammation as well as parasites, yeast and bacteria this test is a good choice. If you have upper gut symptoms you may wish to also consider a SIBO test.
How can I order a test?
Our CSA testing can be sent to you at home – we ship all over the UK and Europe. If you would like to order a test please contact us and we will post you a kit or call us on 0345 1297996 or Contact us
How does the test work?
Patients need to send their sample to the laboratory who will then courier them to the USA.
Have any questions? Call us now!
0345 1297996
FAQ
Is Candida covered on the CSA tool test?
Yes, Candida is also covered on the stool test.
Can I get this test on the NHS?
Unfortunately, these tests are not currently offered on the NHS.
How are the stool samples preserved?
We will post you special containers that contain preservative liquid. You will need to put your stool specimens into these containers and courier them back to our lab for examination.
What happens if I need help with test?
We offer consultations at our sister clinic, ibs-solutions.co.uk in Harley street and online by virtual appointments.