Test library
Gastrointestinal Lab Panel
Gastrointestinal health tests are a group of lab tests that evaluate digestion, inflammation, infection, and absorption. Depending on the panel, they can use stool, blood, or breath samples to investigate common gut symptoms.
Order Gastrointestinal Health Tests
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order Gastrointestinal Health Tests- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $159
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
Gastrointestinal health tests are a range of laboratory tests that look at how the digestive system is working. They can check for inflammation, infection, blood loss, malabsorption, and other causes of symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain. The right combination depends on the person's symptoms and what the ordering provider wants to investigate.
What this test measures
The digestive tract performs complex work, and symptoms like bloating, cramping, diarrhea, or constipation can have many causes. Laboratory testing helps narrow the possibilities by looking at markers of inflammation, infection, absorption, and gut function. Tests are selected based on the pattern and duration of symptoms rather than ordered as a fixed set.
Samples may include stool, blood, or breath, depending on the test. A stool sample can be checked for blood, infection, inflammation markers such as calprotectin, and digestive enzymes. Blood tests can reveal anemia, nutrient deficiencies, or immune markers, while breath tests assess conditions such as lactose intolerance or bacterial overgrowth.
A healthcare provider uses these results with the person's history to guide interpretation, and additional procedures may be recommended when a specific concern remains. Gastrointestinal testing is not a substitute for medical evaluation, and results outside the reference range should be discussed with a qualified provider.
- Fecal calprotectin
- Fecal occult blood
- Stool culture and ova and parasite testing
- Celiac disease antibodies (tissue transglutaminase, IgA)
- Fecal elastase
- Lactose or fructose breath test
- Hydrogen and methane breath test
- Complete blood count
- Vitamin B12 and folate
- C-reactive protein
Why people order this test
- Investigate persistent bloating, diarrhea, or constipation
- Screen for inflammation in inflammatory bowel conditions
- Check for infection or parasites
- Evaluate nutrient malabsorption
- Look into suspected food intolerance
- Follow up on anemia or unexplained weight change
- Establish a baseline before dietary changes with a provider
How to prepare
Preparation depends on the specific test. Some stool and breath tests require fasting or a special diet before collection, while blood tests usually do not. Follow the instructions provided with each test in the order.
Understanding your results
Turnaround varies by test, though many results are available within one to three business days. Reports identify markers that fall outside expected ranges. A qualified healthcare provider explains what the findings suggest and whether more evaluation is needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are gastrointestinal health tests?
They are lab tests that assess digestion, inflammation, infection, and absorption in the digestive tract. Samples can include stool, blood, or breath, depending on the test.
Do I need a referral for GI testing?
Many direct-access lab tests do not require a doctor's referral, though a healthcare provider should be involved in interpreting results and deciding on next steps.
Which sample types are used?
Depending on the panel, testing may use a stool sample, a blood draw, or a breath sample collected at the laboratory.
Do I need to fast?
Fasting depends on the specific test. Some stool and breath tests require preparation, while most blood tests do not. Follow the instructions in the order.
Can these tests diagnose a digestive condition?
They provide information that a healthcare provider uses with symptoms and other findings. Some conditions require additional procedures or evaluation for a diagnosis.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
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Every page on this site is reviewed for clarity, sourcing, and accuracy. We update our library as testing options, collection networks, and accreditation standards change.