Gastrointestinal Pathogen Testing by PCR
Infectious diarrhea has many possible causes that look alike at the bedside, and traditional testing is slow and can miss the cause. Our panel tests for the pathogens behind it and helps you decide quickly who needs treatment or isolation.
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Flexible, Rapid, and Reliable Results
Who orders it
Primary care, gastroenterology, long-term care, and urgent care.
What it covers
The common pathogens that cause infectious diarrhea.
Specimens and turnaround
| Method | PCR (polymerase chain reaction) |
|---|---|
| Turnaround | Within 48 hours of receipt |
| Supplies | Collection kits provided at no charge |
| Pickup | TLS courier, scheduled or on call |
| Results | Provider portal or your EHR (PointClickCare, athenahealth, Aprima, Allscripts, eClinicalWorks, and more) |
Common questions
How is PCR different from culture?
Culture grows organisms over days and reports what grew. PCR detects organism DNA directly and is not affected by recent antibiotic use or slow-growing species.
What do resistance markers tell me?
They show genes linked to resistance against specific antibiotic classes. They guide the choice of therapy and do not replace clinical judgment.
Can I still order a culture?
Yes. Culture and sensitivity can be ordered with the panel.
Which insurance do you accept?
Coverage varies by plan. Call us at (248) 800-6626 and we will confirm coverage for your patients.
Order GI testing through TLS. Call (248) 800-6626 or open a provider account.
Print and Fill Out Requisition Form
The Benefit of RT-PCR Testing for GI
Total Lab Solutions’ molecular RT-PCR testing yields a diagnosis with more conclusive data than POC (point-of-care) antigen assays and most common GI tests. In addition, our RT-PCR testing:
- Reduces False Negatives
- Detects polymicrobial infections
- Is unaffected by concurrent antibiotic usage
All that’s required for an RT-PCR test is a non-invasive sample collection. In comparison, aspirate cultures require an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to be performed.
When a patient could be fighting an infection, time is of the essence. The results need to be both swift and accurate in order to make a proper diagnosis. RT-PCR testing will provide a clear picture within 48 hours of our lab’s receipt.
Turnaround Times You Can Depend On
Lab Testing Easy As 1, 2, 3
Step 1: Patient Visits Provider + Sample is Collected
Step 2: Sample is Sent to Lab + Processed
Step 3: Results are Uploaded to Portal
