Gastrointestinal Infection PCR Test Panel – 8 Pathogen Screen for Shigella, Salmonella, Norovirus & More

Description

Gastrointestinal Infection PCR Test Panel – 8-Pathogen Screen for Shigella, Salmonella, Norovirus & More

The Gastrointestinal Infection PCR Test Panel from Lab Tests Dubai is a cutting-edge molecular diagnostic test that detects 8 of the most common and dangerous pathogens causing acute gastroenteritis all from a single stool sample.

Using Real-Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology, this panel identifies:

• Bacteria: Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni/coli
• Viruses: Norovirus, Rotavirus, Adenovirus (F40/41), Astrovirus
• Plus: Clostridioides difficile toxin genes (in expanded versions)

This test is essential for:

• Diagnosing severe or persistent diarrhea in adults and children
• Evaluating traveler’s diarrhea (common in South Asia, Middle East, Africa)
• Investigating outbreaks in schools, hotels, or families
• Managing immunocompromised patients (HIV, cancer, transplant)
• Preventing complications like dehydration, sepsis, or post-infectious IBS

With results in just 3 days, this advanced panel helps doctors stop guesswork, avoid unnecessary antibiotics, and start targeted care fast.

Available with home stool collection, Lab Tests Dubai ensures accurate, private, and stress-free testing so you can get answers when your stomach won’t settle.

Why You Need This Test

If you or your child has watery diarrhea, vomiting, or fever especially after travel or eating out this test could reveal the exact cause of your illness and prevent a dangerous delay in treatment.

You need the GI Infection PCR Panel if:

• You have severe or bloody diarrhea lasting >2 days
• You’re experiencing vomiting, cramps, or high fever
• You recently traveled to a high-risk area (India, Pakistan, Egypt, Southeast Asia)
• You ate at a restaurant or event with others who got sick
• You’re immunocompromised or caring for vulnerable individuals
• Your child has rotavirus-like symptoms
• You’re being evaluated for C. diff or foodborne illness

This test helps:

• Identify the exact pathogen (not just “stomach flu”)
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics (useless for viruses)
• Prevent dehydration and hospitalization
• Stop the spread to family and coworkers
• Rule out dangerous infections like Shigella or C. diff

Early testing faster recovery and fewer complications.

Symptoms That Indicate This Test

Consider the GI PCR Panel if you experience:

✅ For Acute Gastroenteritis:

• Watery or bloody diarrhea (6–10+ episodes/day)
• Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps
• Fever >38°C (100.4°F)
• Dehydration signs (dry mouth, dizziness, low urine)
• Mucus or blood in stool

✅ For High-Risk Individuals:

• Children under 5 (rotavirus, norovirus risk)
• Elderly or diabetic patients
• Immunocompromised individuals
• Food handlers or healthcare workers

✅ For Travelers:

• Diarrhea within 1–2 weeks of travel
• After eating street food or untreated water
• During or after a cruise or group tour

These signs may point to a serious infection and this test helps start the right treatment.

Natural Production: How Gut Pathogens Cause Illness

Your gut is protected by mucus, acid, and immune defenses but certain pathogens bypass these:

• Salmonella – from undercooked eggs, poultry
• Shigella – fecal-oral, person-to-person (daycares)
• Campylobacter – raw milk, undercooked meat
• Norovirus – “cruise ship virus,” highly contagious
• Rotavirus – common in unvaccinated children
• Adenovirus/Astrovirus – cause prolonged diarrhea

These pathogens:

• Invade intestinal cells
• Produce toxins (e.g., C. diff)
• Cause inflammation, fluid loss, and cell death

The PCR Panel detects genetic material (DNA/RNA)so it finds pathogens even in low numbers, unlike culture or microscopy.

What Happens If Untreated? Risks of Ignoring GI Infections

Ignoring acute gastroenteritis can lead to:

⚠️ Severe Dehydration – especially in children and elderly
⚠️ Sepsis or Bacteremia – from Salmonella or Shigella
⚠️ Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) – after Shigella or E. coli
⚠️ Post-Infectious IBS – long-term digestive dysfunction
⚠️ Malnutrition & Weight Loss – from chronic diarrhea
⚠️ Outbreaks – norovirus spreads rapidly in homes, schools, hotels

The good news? Most infections are treatable with:

• Rehydration (oral or IV)
• Targeted antibiotics (for bacterial infections)
• Supportive care (for viral cases)
• Isolation and hygiene to prevent spread

Early testing prevention of life-threatening complications.

How to Prepare for the Test

To ensure accurate results:

✅ Avoid antibiotics, antidiarrheals (e.g., loperamide), and probiotics 48 hours before (if medically safe)
✅ Collect a fresh, unformed (liquid/soft) stool sample in the sterile container provided
✅ Do not mix with urine or water
✅ Inform your doctor of:

• Date symptoms started
• Travel history
• Recent antibiotic use

A stool sample is collected at home or clinic and transported under cold chain.

Test Overview: Real-Time PCR Methodology

Report Includes:

• Negative → No pathogens detected
• Positive → Specific pathogen(s) identified
• Clinical Notes for treatment and infection control

Note: Some labs offer expanded panels (e.g., E. coli strains, parasites).

Benefits of the GI Infection PCR Panel

🔹 Detects 8 Key Pathogens in One Test
No more guesswork or multiple tests.

🔹 Fast Results in 3 Days
Start treatment fast.

🔹 High Sensitivity & Specificity
Finds pathogens cultures miss.

🔹 Guides Antibiotic Use
Avoids misuse for viral infections.

🔹 Peace of Mind
Know what’s making you sick.

If you’re suffering from severe diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach flu, the GI Infection PCR Panel gives you the answers you need in just 3 days.