PCR Stool Test for Bacteria, Viruses and Parasites with Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen Testing

Comprehensive Stool Testing Using Molecular PCR and Antigen Detection

Our stool infection testing panel combines PCR molecular testing for bacteria, viruses and parasites with stool antigen detection for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Molecular PCR stool testing for gastrointestinal infections, including bacteria, parasites, viruses and Helicobacter pylori

This approach provides accurate, non-invasive diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections that may cause diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, weight loss, fever, or persistent digestive symptoms.

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What Does the Stool Test Detect?

Viral Pathogens (PCR Detection)

These viruses are detected using PCR molecular testing, which identifies viral genetic material.

– Adenovirus F40/F41 – common cause of diarrhoea in children
– Astrovirus – associated with mild to moderate gastroenteritis
– Norovirus GI/GII – highly contagious cause of vomiting and diarrhoea
– Rotavirus A – leading cause of severe diarrhoea in infants and young children
– Sapovirus (GI, GII, GIV, GV) – causes viral gastroenteritis

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Bacterial Pathogens (PCR Detection)

These bacteria are detected using PCR, allowing sensitive identification even at low levels.

– Clostridioides difficile toxin A/B gene – linked to antibiotic-associated colitis
– Campylobacter spp. – common foodborne bacterial infection
– Salmonella spp. – causes gastroenteritis and systemic infection
– Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) – persistent diarrhoea
– Enteroinvasive E. coli / Shigella – dysentery-like illness
– Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) – traveller’s diarrhoea
– Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) – infant diarrhoea
– Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC stx1/stx2) – may cause severe disease
– E. coli O157 – associated with bloody diarrhoea
– Vibrio cholerae – severe watery diarrhoea
– Vibrio parahaemolyticus – seafood-associated illness
– Vibrio vulnificus – rare but serious infection
– Yersinia enterocolitica – may mimic appendicitis
– Plesiomonas shigelloides – water-related diarrhoeal illness

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Parasitic Pathogens (PCR Detection)

Parasites are detected using PCR molecular techniques, which are more sensitive than microscopy.

– Cyclospora cayetanensis – prolonged watery diarrhoea
– Cryptosporidium – persistent diarrhoea, especially in children
– Entamoeba histolytica – amoebic colitis and liver abscess
– Giardia lamblia – bloating, malabsorption, chronic diarrhoea

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Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) – Stool Antigen Test

Important distinction

– H. pylori is detected using a stool antigen test
– Stool antigen testing identifies active H. pylori infection
– It is a non-invasive and clinically validated method

H. pylori infection is associated with gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and increased risk of gastric cancer. Stool antigen testing is suitable for both diagnosis and post-treatment confirmation (test of cure).

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Why This Combined Testing Approach Is Used

– PCR is ideal for detecting bacteria, viruses and parasites
– Stool antigen testing is the preferred method for H. pylori
– Combining both methods improves diagnostic accuracy
– Avoids unnecessary invasive procedures

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Sample Collection and Important Instructions

– This test can be completed remotely from home
– After payment, you will receive a stool collection pot by post
– Please collect at least ¾ of the stool pot to ensure enough sample for testing
– Clearly write your full name and date of birth on the pot before collection
– Return everything received, including the laboratory request form

Please do not modify the form or add extra information.

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Receiving Your Results

– Results are uploaded securely to your online patient portal
– View results here:
https://ukallergy.carebit.co/patients/accounts/login

You may create an account in advance or one will be created automatically when your results are ready:
https://ukallergy.carebit.co/patients/accounts/sign-up