Review of the Best Stool Tests
Bacterial Taxonomy
In a healthcare industry bursting with options on clinical testing it can get overwhelming fast. This is why most of us turn towards practitioners to help guide us; however what myself and many have realized the hard way is that most practitioners are stuck in dated ways of thinking. And if they aren’t, you are likely going to pay for their knowledge base with visits at astronomical prices. If you are reading this than I am confident in assuming you are fed up and ready to take your health in your own hands. First, (Air High Five) Hell Yeah! and second, Let’s Get Started! This blog is geared towards you. Those who advocate for themselves. Who are curious cats ready to optimize self and not wait on a broken system to get fixed.
Listed below are the main stool tests on the market and pros / cons of each. The ultimate winner is pretty clear, can you spot it?
qPCR / Probe Testing
Testing on U.S. Market: GI Map, GI Effects
Price: $$$
qPCR / or probe testing has been known as the “industry gold standard” on stool testing for awhile. The technology works by comparing DNA in a stool to a set of DNA controls. Basically, it’s a game of match maker. Which is a far better test when compared to antigen testing that is typically done as a first-line defense in hospital / insurance based model settings.
A mentor of mine stated it perfectly. qPCR testing is great at determining what kinds of trees are in an orchard, aka what genus level of bacteria are in your colon. Say for instance it picks up that you have an overgrowth of streptococcus in your test, let’s call it an apple tree. Where the test falls short is letting you know exactly what type of strep / apple tree it is. The difference in a gala and red delicious apple could be the difference between your on going bout of diarrhea, brain fog, acne etc. The more a test can tell us about our microbiome the more tailored our treatment modalities can be i.e. the quicker we can heal.
I will give credit where credit is due, qPCR testing does have a higher capability in detecting H. Pylori. If this is a concern of yours, getting a qPCR H. Pylori test added on to other more well rounded stool tests listed below is an option.
Pros: In-depth H. Pylori testing, Pathogen / parasite detection
Cons: Expensive, Physician order only, No follow-on support / suggestions
Sample report of Diagnostic Solutions GI MAP Commensal / Keystone Bacteria view
Sample repost viewing H. Pylori detection on GI Map
16S rRNA Sequencing
Testing on U.S. Market: Biomesight
Price: $
Every bacteria has a 16S ribosomal RNA gene. This gene has highly conserved regions making it useful for identifying and classifying bacteria down to the genus and species level. So, for those apple lovers out there, this test has the ability to tell you exactly what type of apple trees are in your orchard and exactly how many!
If you are someone who doesn't really have many symptoms and just want to optimize self, or someone on a tight budget, this stool test is for you! The Biomesight software is extremely user friendly and provides ample information on how to increase / decrease specific bacterial levels with diet and supplementation advice.
Pros: Well-rounded view of bacterial layout, Cheap, Can order yourself, Follow-on suggestions / support
Cons: Unable to test for pathogens / parasites / fungi
Biomesight sample report showing Bifidobacterium levels
Shotgun Metagenomics
Testing on U.S. Market: Tiny Health, Viome,
Price: $$
Able to provide a more comprehensive view of the full microbial community via updated technology that allows the entire genomic DNA to be read. Allows for detection of all bacteria, fungi, pathogens and parasites in sample.
Wider lens into what’s happening in your gut with increased health markers including but not limited to: inflammatory, digestion and absorption, SCFA production, protein synthesis ability, etc. This increased window of health metrics allows for more actionable steps for streamlining health potential. The Tiny Health software is user friendly and ranks items based off of a priority level to help the users prioritize what to tackle first.
Pros: Pathogen / parasite detection, Increased gut info markers, Can order yourself, Follow-on suggestions / support
Cons: Poor H. Pylori detection but qPCR testing can be added on to Tiny Health test
Overview of Tiny Health Gut Test markers