Information for Patients

Comprehensive Stool Analysis
(CSA)

HOW TO COMPLETE THE TEST

Full collection instructions are found inside the test kit. You can preview these instructions below.

VIDEO GUIDE

It is important that you follow the instructions inside your test kit very carefully.

For further support, you can watch this step-by-step video guide.

ABOUT THE Comprehensive Stool Analysis (CSA)

The Comprehensive Stool Analysis (CSA) test is a stool assessment for gut microbiota and overall digestive function. The test helps understand the causes of gastrointestinal symptoms and chronic systemic conditions and measures key markers of digestion, absorption and inflammation to give a comprehensive report on the health of your digestive system.

ABOUT DOCTORS DATA

Doctor’s Data, Inc. (DDI) is a premier, CLIA-licensed clinical laboratory based in Illinois, USA. They have been providing specialty testing to healthcare practitioners around the world since 1972.

RN Labs are the proud exclusive distributors of Doctors Data, Inc. testing in Australia.

Important!

Not following the instructions will result in sample rejection and your sample will need to be recollected.

Ensure hand writing is legible and forms are completed in full
Make sure patient name is written on the collection container/s
Names written on collection container labels must match names written on the form (e.g. abbreviations, middle names and initials) must be identical in all fields
Please ensure sample is tightly closed; if the sample leaks in transit it will need to be resubmitted
Please ensure correct amount of sample is collected as per instructions (no more or less than as requested)

General FAQs

+ How long will it take before I see my test results?

Please be aware that if you are sending your sample by post, this may take up to 1 week to arrive at RN Labs. (You can contact your local post office for more specific time frames). Test results then take between 2 – 3 weeks from the date your sample is received by RN Labs. RN Labs then forwards the results to your practitioner. We cannot send results directly to the patient. Only your practitioner can explain your results to you.

+ Why can't you send a copy of the results straight back to me?

This is for a similar reason as to why you need to book an appointment with your GP to discuss general pathology test results. It is important that your practitioner can discuss the results with you; therefore, we cannot give out test results directly to patients.

+ How are these tests different to the general pathology tests my GP can order?

Functional pathology tests are an extremely comprehensive assessment of what is potentially occurring within a person’s body. They often test very different things than what general pathology tests do. From the results, your practitioner may be able to develop more specific treatment plans that address the cause of your symptoms.

+ Why is this test so expensive?

We offer functional pathology tests that have been produced by leading international laboratories, meaning the samples are assessed in overseas labs, such as in the US. This means we cannot offer Medicare rebates on our testing services. Further to this, all of our tests use extremely accurate and scientific, research-backed technology, which can contribute to higher costs. The information gained from functional pathology tests can often provide a new level of insight that allows healthcare practitioners to develop more accurate and patient-specific treatment plans, to ensure their patients are on the right track to feeling better.

+ What day should I send the sample?

The instructions found inside the test kit will tell you to either send by express post, courier pick-up, or general post (depending on what test you are completing and your location). You will either find a pre-paid courier bag or a return postal envelope inside the test kit for returning your sample.

If sending by Aus post express or pick-up courier – it is important that you time your collection to be ready to send/picked-up on a Monday or Tuesday only – so that we receive it in time for our twice-weekly shipments to the overseas labs every Tuesday and Thursday.

This is particularly important if the sample is time-sensitive. Please refer to the Collection Instructions found inside your Test Kit to check if your sample is time-sensitive. Any sample that has to be frozen prior to shipment is time sensitive.
RN Labs is closed weekends, public holidays, and 4 weeks over Christmas (mid Dec – mid Jan). Please do not conduct your test / send samples during this time.
If you are unable to ship the specimen the same day you finish the collection (i.e. over the weekend or public holiday), store your sample as instructed on the Collection Instructions in your test kit.

If sending by general post – please be aware general post can take anywhere from 1-10 days to arrive at our Head Office, which can add to your overall test turn-around time. If you would like your sample to be sent by express post, simply take it to your local post office and pay the additional expense for the express option. Express generally takes 1-2 days and the cost will vary depending on your location.

+ How should my sample be stored while I am waiting for courier pick-up?

Please refer to the Collection Instructions found inside your test kit.

+ Will certain foods, supplements or medications interfere with test results?

Some foods, supplements and medications can influence the test results and these will be noted in the test collection instructions. It is up to your healthcare practitioner to discuss with you what foods, supplements or medications they want you to continue or discontinue. Never discontinue medication without speaking with your healthcare practitioner.

+ What if I am not feeling my normal self (i.e. have the flu, no appetite, etc.), should I still perform my test?

It is best to contact your practitioner – they may like you to wait until you are feeling back to your normal state of health before conducting the test.

+ What if I don't feel comfortable doing this test?

It may help to perform the test when you are in the privacy of your home, on a day where you don’t have much else on. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the test and approach it as a step-by-step process. After you complete the first step, you can then read the instructions to see what your next step is. Remember, your practitioner has recommended that you do the test in order to help you reach a better state of health. If you are feeling too overwhelmed and / or uncomfortable, we suggest that you contact your practitioner to discuss other options.

+ Are my test results kept confidential?

RN Labs will never share your test results with anyone other than your healthcare practitioner.

+ When does my credit card get charged?

Full test price (including handling fee) is charged to your credit card on the same day we receive your test kit order. The kit is then generally dispatched within 1 business day. Please allow 1-5 working days for delivery.

+ What if I change my mind about the test after ordering the kit?

Request for a refund on an unsubmitted test must be made no more than 30 days after the test kit order. The handling fee will not be refunded.

FURTHER SUPPORT

Should you require further support, our friendly customer service team can help you with any specific questions on billing, shipping, or collection.

For all other enquires, please contact your practitioner. Please be aware that our customer service team cannot assist with any questions regarding your health or why you have been recommended this test. Thanks for your understanding.

Comprehensive Stool Analysis
(CSA)

HOW TO COMPLETE THE TEST

VIDEO GUIDE

ABOUT THE Comprehensive Stool Analysis (CSA)