Gastrointestinal Pathogen PCR Test – At-Home Stool Test

Fast, Accurate Detection of Gut Infections

Gastrointestinal infections are among the most common causes of sudden illness, leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. While many infections are short-lived, some can persist, recur, or lead to serious complications if untreated.

The Gastrointestinal Pathogen PCR Test is an advanced laboratory test that uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause gastrointestinal illness. With our simple at-home stool collection kit, you can quickly and reliably test for multiple pathogens, helping you and your healthcare provider identify the cause of your symptoms and take appropriate action.

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What Is a Gastrointestinal Pathogen PCR Test?

Traditional stool culture tests are often limited to detecting only a handful of bacteria and can take several days for results. PCR technology, however, identifies the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of pathogens directly.

This means:

• Higher accuracy – Detects even small amounts of pathogen DNA.

• Broader coverage – Screens for a wide panel of bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

• Rapid turnaround – Results are typically available within 1–2 working days.

By testing with PCR, you get a comprehensive and reliable assessment of the causes of gastrointestinal illness.

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Which Pathogens Does the Test Detect?

Our Gastrointestinal Pathogen PCR Test screens for a broad panel of common and clinically important pathogens, including:

Bacteria and Bacterial Toxins
C. difficile Toxin A/B gene, Campylobacter spp., Enteroaggregative E.coli (EAEC), Enteroinvasive E.coli (EIEC)/Shigella, Enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC), Enteropathogenic E.coli (EPEC), Plesiomonas shigelloides, Salmonella, Shiga-toxin producing E.coli (STEC) stx1/stx2, Shiga-toxin producing E.coli (STEC) O157:H7, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, Yersinia enterocolitica

Viruses
Adenovirus 40/41, Astrovirus, Norovirus GI, Norovirus GII, Rotavirus A, Sapovirus (I, II, IV, V)

Parasites
Cyclospora cayetanensis, Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Gardia lamblia

This does NOT include stool for m/c/s – this needs to be requested as a separate test. Please provide two samples if this is required.

This comprehensive approach ensures that even hard-to-detect pathogens are picked up quickly and accurately.

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Why Take a Gastrointestinal Pathogen PCR Test?

Gastrointestinal symptoms are common, but they don’t always have a clear cause. Knowing whether your illness is bacterial, viral, or parasitic is important because the treatment approach differs.

You may want to consider testing if you have:

• Persistent or severe diarrhoea lasting more than a few days

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• Nausea and vomiting

• Blood or mucus in your stool

• Fever alongside gastrointestinal symptoms

• Recent travel abroad (traveller’s diarrhoea)

• Concerns about food poisoning or contaminated water

• A weakened immune system, where infections can be more serious

Testing helps ensure you get the right care and avoid unnecessary treatments, such as antibiotics for viral infections.

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Who Is the Test Suitable For?

This test may be particularly useful for:

• Adults and children with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms

• Travellers returning with stomach illness after trips abroad

• Healthcare workers or food handlers who may need clearance after an infection

• Individuals with recurrent or chronic gut symptoms, where an undiagnosed infection could be a contributing factor

• People with underlying health conditions that increase vulnerability to severe infections

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How the At-Home Test Works

We’ve made the process simple, discreet, and reliable:

1. Order online – Receive your stool collection kit delivered to your door.

2. Collect your sample – Use the easy-to-follow instructions to collect a small stool sample.

3. Return the sample – Send it back to our UKAS-accredited laboratory using the prepaid packaging.

4. Get your results – Access your secure online report, usually within 1–2 working days of the lab receiving your sample.

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Understanding Your Results

Your results will clearly show whether any gastrointestinal pathogens were detected.

• Negative result – No pathogens were identified. This may indicate a non-infectious cause for your symptoms or that the infection has resolved.

• Positive result – One or more pathogens were found. Depending on the pathogen, treatment may involve antibiotics, antiparasitic medication, or supportive care.

Our reports are reviewed by doctors and include guidance on next steps, such as consulting your GP or seeking specialist care.

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Advantages of PCR Testing Over Traditional Methods

• Faster results – PCR detects pathogens within hours, compared to several days for culture.

• Wider coverage – A single test can check for multiple bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

• More accurate – Less risk of false negatives, especially for pathogens that are difficult to grow in culture.

• Clinical relevance – Helps guide treatment decisions quickly.

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Why Choose Repose Healthcare?

• Convenience – Test from home, no clinic visit needed.

• Speed – Fast processing in accredited UK labs.

• Accuracy – Advanced PCR technology ensures reliable results.

• Discretion – Secure delivery and confidential online results.

• Support – Clear explanations and next steps included in your report.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a doctor’s referral for this test?
No, you can order directly online without a GP appointment.

2. How quickly will I get my results?
Results are usually available within 1–2 working days after your sample arrives at the lab.

3. Can I use this test for children?
Yes, this test can be used for children, though stool sample collection may require assistance from a parent or guardian.

4. Is this test suitable if I’ve recently taken antibiotics?
Antibiotics may reduce detection of bacterial pathogens, but PCR testing is still more sensitive than traditional culture. If possible, wait at least 2 weeks after antibiotics before testing.

5. What should I do if my result is positive?
Your report will provide guidance, but in most cases you should share the results with your GP, who can recommend treatment or further investigation.

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Order Your Gastrointestinal Pathogen PCR Test Today

Don’t let gut symptoms go unexplained. With the Gastrointestinal Pathogen PCR Test, you can get accurate answers quickly, helping you take control of your health and recovery.

Order online today for fast, discreet home testing.