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Gastrointestinal pathogen test for families experiencing sudden stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea

Stomach Bug Test for Diarrhea and Food Poisoning

Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel, Real-Time PCR

Google
3,138 reviews
  • Detects germs causing stomach issues.
  • Identifies bacteria and viruses in gut.
  • Quickly finds digestive tract infections.
First results as soon as overnight*

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing sudden diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or other digestive symptoms that could be caused by an infection. It helps identify the specific bacteria, virus, or parasite making you sick so your doctor can determine the best treatment approach. Many people use this test when they have food poisoning symptoms, traveler's diarrhea, or unexplained stomach issues that won't go away.

How should I prepare for this test?

You'll need to collect a stool sample using the collection kit provided. Try to collect the sample when you're experiencing symptoms for the most accurate results. Avoid taking antibiotics or anti-diarrheal medications for at least 48 hours before collection if possible, as these can interfere with results, but always follow your doctor's advice about your medications. The collection process is simple and can be done privately at home.

What's included in this test?

This comprehensive PCR panel screens for the most common bacterial pathogens like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli, viral causes like Norovirus and Rotavirus, and parasitic infections that can cause gastrointestinal illness. The test uses advanced molecular technology to detect even small amounts of these organisms in your stool sample, providing faster and more accurate results than traditional culture methods. Together, these measurements help pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms so treatment can be targeted and effective.

What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining which pathogens were detected and what they mean for your symptoms. These notes include personalized recommendations about treatment options, hydration strategies, dietary modifications, and when you should follow up with your doctor. You'll also get the standard lab report and can share these results directly with your healthcare provider to guide appropriate antibiotic therapy or other interventions if needed.
When will I get my results?
PCR testing typically provides results within 2-4 business days from when the lab receives your sample. This is much faster than traditional stool cultures which can take a week or more. You'll receive an email notification as soon as your results are ready to view in your secure online account.
Who should consider this test?
This test is valuable for anyone with acute diarrhea or gastrointestinal symptoms that started suddenly, especially after eating potentially contaminated food or traveling. It's particularly useful for children, elderly individuals, or those with weakened immune systems who are more vulnerable to complications from infections. Healthcare providers often order this test when symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever or bloody stools.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Common symptoms that suggest a gastrointestinal infection include sudden watery or bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, fever, and urgency to use the bathroom. You might also experience loss of appetite, dehydration signs like dizziness or dark urine, or symptoms that started after eating suspect food or traveling to areas with contaminated water. If symptoms persist beyond a few days or are severe, this test can help identify the cause.
How can I naturally support my digestive health during an infection?
Staying well-hydrated is crucial, so drink plenty of water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like rice, bananas, toast, and applesauce while avoiding dairy, fatty foods, and caffeine until symptoms improve. Probiotics may help restore healthy gut bacteria after the infection clears, and getting adequate rest allows your body to fight off the infection more effectively.
What are gastrointestinal pathogens and why do they matter?
Gastrointestinal pathogens are harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites that infect your digestive system and cause illness. They're typically transmitted through contaminated food or water, poor hygiene, or contact with infected people. Identifying the specific pathogen matters because it helps your doctor determine whether you need antibiotics, how contagious you are to others, and what precautions you should take to prevent spreading the infection to family members.
What should I do if my test detects a pathogen?
If a pathogen is detected, share your results with your healthcare provider immediately so they can determine the appropriate treatment plan. Some bacterial infections require specific antibiotics, while viral infections typically just need supportive care with rest and hydration. Practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently, avoid preparing food for others until cleared by your doctor, and stay home from work or school to prevent spreading the infection.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
  4. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at [email protected], and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at [email protected]. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

You get clinical lab reports & simplified health insights.
Save time & gas, go straight to the lab. Our doctors cover the rest.
Results start landing the next day after your lab visit.*
We don’t sell or share your data. Your time & privacy matter.
US-licensed doctors have your back if things get unclear.
No hidden fees, nice discounts for regular checkups.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Instant orders, results often overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
No insurance needed, transparent pricing
Demo results
Salmonella Species Not Detected
Demo results
Not Detected Detected
Not Detected

What this means

Your test came back negative for Salmonella, meaning no Salmonella bacteria were found in your sample. This is the healthy result and rules out one of the most common causes of foodborne illness and acute diarrhea.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
Choose a checkup
Order your test Save a trip to the doctor. Your results will come with clear, friendly explanations. Takes 2 minutes
Book a lab
Book an appointment Visit any of our 4,000 nearby lab locations to have your samples collected. Book or walk-in
Choose a checkup
Get results Receive a clear, easy-to-digest health report by email & SMS within a few business days. Get answers, fast

Stomach Bug Test for Diarrhea and Food Poisoning

Google
3,138 reviews
  • Detects germs causing stomach issues.
  • Identifies bacteria and viruses in gut.
  • Quickly finds digestive tract infections.

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Google reviews 3138 reviews Next
Still got questions? Text our super-cool support team at 754-799-7833 to get help finding your ideal checkup.