Is GutDetective available without a practitioner?
No. GutDetective is a practitioner-only test panel. Your practitioner will determine if it’s appropriate for your symptoms and guide you through the testing and interpretation process.
How do I collect a stool sample?
Follow directions contained within the sample collection pack. You may be advised to delay collection if you’re experiencing acute diarrhoea, which makes it difficult to collect the sample. If you have any problems with collecting your sample please contact us at
[email protected]
Can I use this test to diagnose a specific condition like Crohn’s disease?
GutDetective is not a diagnostic tool on its own but can support clinical decision-making. Your practitioner may use it alongside other tests to evaluate gut health, inflammation, digestive efficiency and immune activity.
Can the test identify Alpha 1 Antitrypsin deficiency?
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin may be genetic in origin. Your practitioner may refer you to your GP if your results indicate potential A1 deficiency.
Will this test diagnose if I have Coeliac Disease?
This test is not designed to diagnose Coeliac Disease; however, it may indicate elevated Calprotectin levels, which are characteristic of inflammation in the gut and are associated with Coeliac Disease. We recommend you seek advice from your GP, who can arrange for you to be tested for Coeliac Disease.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within 10–15 working days of sample receipt at the lab. Your practitioner will contact you to review your personalised report.
What if my results are abnormal?
Your practitioner will explain your results in context and may recommend further testing, dietary changes, targeted supplements, or lifestyle support based on what’s found. You may also be referred back to your primary clinician for further exploratory tests.
Why would my practitioner recommend this test to me?
This test will give your practitioner an insight into the potential root cause of your digestive issues. The test is designed to assess the health of the gut wall in terms of inflammation, digestive efficiency and gut barrier wall health.
What happens if I spill the liquid in the collection tube
Pease contact our customer services team
[email protected].
I have noticed blood in the stool sample, what shall I do?
We do not recommend testing if you notice blood in your stool, and we urge you to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Is the test suitable for children?
We do not recommend this test under 18 years of age. If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, please seek medical advice as soon as possible.
I have IBD, can regular testing for Calprotectin predict flareups or help monitor treatment outside of NHS care?
Regular monitoring of Calprotectin levels could help predict disease flare-ups and indicate if treatment is working; however, this should not be a substitute for standard medical care. Your Doctor may have already arranged to monitor calprotectin levels regularly.
When should the test be repeated?
You may be advised by your practitioner to repeat one or more of the biomarkers tests based on the results. Your practitioner will explain what this means and what timeframe is best to repeat the test.
Will the results indicate if I need to see a GI specialist?
It is possible that your results indicate the need to seek advice from a GI specialist. Your practitioner will be able to make a referral for you if necessary.
How do I prepare for the test?
- No special diet, fasting, or medication changes are usually needed.
- Avoid collecting during an acute diarrhoeal episode, if possible, since very loose stools can make it difficult to collect the sample. We recommend you wait until your stool has returned to a more solid consistency to take your sample.
- Continue any prescribed anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapies; these do not invalidate the assay but may impact the results. Your practitioner will discuss your results in context of any medications you might be taking.