Complete Digestive Stool Analysis – CDSA

The Complete Digestive & Stool Analysis (CDSA) is a comprehensive functional test for many key commensal, opportunistic & parasitic flora.

Stool testing is a great tool for any suspected dysbiosis (a non-harmonious mix of bacteria or yeasts in the digestive tract). Dysbiosis can be the cause of ‘Irritable bowel syndrome’ as well as being implicated in inflammatory bowel conditions such as Ulcerative Colitis and Crohns disease. Dysbiosis may be playing havoc with the gut function causing irritable bowel symptoms and potentially leading to inflammatory bowel conditions later in life. Dysbiosis also affects food sensitivities as the interface between the microbiome, the gut and the immune system are intricately woven. Autoimmune and cardiovascular patients may also benefit from stool testing as the implications of an unhealthy gut reach far into the body.

Testing is warranted when symptomatic treatment protocols designed to kill off unwanted bacteria or yeasts have the potential to be detrimental to the endogenous bacterial communities in the gut ecosystem. So it is best to test when you suspect there is a candida or bacterial overgrowth in the colon rather than kill off beneficial organisms when it is not necessary.

If the testing confirms the presence of opportunistic or pathogenic organisms, a herbal anti-parasitic, antifungal or antibacterial protocol can then be used to help rebalance the flora of the gut, using a gut healing and microflora protocol at the same time as weeding out unwanted opportunistic & parasitic organisms.

Choose the level you can afford based on the information below and always consult with a practitioner before testing, to help screen whether testing is appropriate for your case & to interpret and treat the problems identified from the test.

Level 1 – Macroscopic & Microscopic description; Beneficial and other bacteria, Yeasts, Parasites (visual detection); Antibiotic & herb sensitivity analysis. A basic test to identify the beneficial and pathogenic microbiota in the Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT). An interesting test to do on its own out of curiosity but its limitations are that it doesn’t identify diversity in the gut which is a key component of a healthy GIT.

Level 2 – Same as level 1 with the addition of Digestion,  Absorption & Metabolic markers such as ‘Long chain’ and ‘Short chain fatty acids’ such as Butyrate, key components of a healthy gut microflora. This gives some clues as to whether there is a good mix of beneficial flora in the gut.

Level 3 – Same as level 2 with the addition of the marker ‘Pancreatic Elastase’ which helps identify pancreatic enzyme functionality therefore the ability to break down food components. Pancreatic function can decline with age.

Level 3+ – Same as level 3 with the addition of Transglutaminase IgA which is a marker for gluten intolerance & helps identify gluten sensitivity. Inflammatory markers for tumour and ulceration are also included.

Level 4 – Same as level 3 with the addition of higher detection of Yeasts, Parasites & Bacteria (and not including the additions from level 3+).

Level 4+ – Same as level 3+ and 4 combined.

C.M.M – Complete Microbiome Mapping – This test is the most comprehensive test available currently. This uses a different testing company which utilises the genetic information rather than culture testing on bacteria and is able to identify families and strains of bacteria that hint at the diversity in the gut microbiota as well as the same markers as the CDSA level 4+.  The inflammatory markers Zonulin, Calprotectin & Secretory IgA are also additional. This test is able to identify a larger array of dysbiotic and normal bacteria than the CDSA test.

The price of this test includes a 15 minute phone consultation with one of our practitioners to determine if the test is required before completing the order. We will do a cost/benefit ratio and review your symptoms. What we do know is that there is nothing quite like testing to truly reveal what is going on inside the body, and to add motivation to your health journey. Testing can direct a treatment plan, alert you to red flags, or they rule out anomalies. However tests do cost money so we generally only recommend them when indicated and after discussion with you, about the pros and cons of each test.

Tests are taken at home and kits come with a full set of instructions. Test take between 3 to 4 weeks to get returned.

Please note this test needs to be done in conjunction with a qualified practitioner and results need to be interpreted with a practitioner. We stock these on our website for information and pricing only. If you have a practitioner and would like to order a test please send us the name and practice of your practitioner before you order your test. Please also note we do not keep test kits in stock, any test ordered on your behalf will need to be ordered in and then sent. If you would like to order a test please book a 15 minute consultation with one of our practitioners here so we can screen you for the test and book a follow up for your results.