GI Disorders & Treatments

We offer a number of lab tests to diagnose the cause of digestive diseases.

• Stool Culture Test
  A stool culture looks for abnormal bacteria in the digestive tract that might cause diarrhea and other issues. For this test, a small sample of feces is obtained, and the results determine whether or not unusual microorganisms are present in the digestive tract.
  
  

• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Test
  To diagnose bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, which may cause problems like poor fat absorption, a breath test and small intestinal aspirate and fluid culture are done.
  
  

• In a breath test, the amount of hydrogen or methane that you breathe out is measured. A rise in the levels of hydrogen or methane in the breath indicates bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
  
  

• While in small intestine aspirate and fluid culture, a sample of the intestinal fluid from the small intestine is taken and tested in the laboratory for the growth of bacteria.
  
  

• Amylase And Lipase Test
  In this test, the amount of amylase and lipase enzymes in the blood is measured. Since these enzymes are produced by the pancreas, this test helps diagnose the symptoms of acute pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders.
  
  

• Anion Gap Blood Test
  In this test, the acid-base balance of your blood is measured to make sure the electrolytes in your blood are not out of balance. Furthermore, this test can reveal if the patient is suffering from hypochlorhydria, a condition where one doesn’t have enough stomach acid to absorb and digest their food.
  
  

• Gastrin Test

It is a simple blood test that finds out whether your body is producing abnormal amounts of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the release of gastric acid. While gastric acid is important for digestion, in excess it can lead to heartburn, diarrhea, and stomach and small intestine ulcers. Low levels of gastrin are rare but if there, can lead to poor digestion and absorption of nutrients.