Question

Dos the following a test for colon cancer

GI Profile, Stool, PCR
Campylobacter
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
C difficile toxin A/B
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Plesiomonas shigelloides
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Salmonella
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Vibrio
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Vibrio cholerae
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Yersinia enterocolitica
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Enteroaggregative E coli
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Enteropathogenic E coli
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Enterotoxigenic E coli
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Shiga-toxin-producing E coli
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
E coli O157
Not applicable
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Shigella/Enteroinvasive E coli
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Cryptosporidium
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Cyclospora cayetanensis
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Entamoeba histolytica
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Giardia lamblia
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Adenovirus F 40/41
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Astrovirus
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Norovirus GI/GII
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Rotavirus A
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected
Sapovirus
Not Detected
Reference Interval: Not Detected

Answer 1

The test results you've provided appear to be from a gastrointestinal (GI) profile that includes various pathogen tests for bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. The results indicate that all tested pathogens were "Not Detected," meaning that no signs of these specific infections were found in the stool sample.

However, it's important to note that this type of testing is primarily aimed at identifying infectious agents causing gastrointestinal symptoms (such as diarrhea, cramping, etc.) rather than specifically screening for colon cancer.

For colon cancer screening, other tests are typically used, such as:

1. **Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)**: Detects hidden blood in the stool.
2. **Colonoscopy**: A procedure where a doctor examines the colon and rectum for abnormalities.
3. **Flexible Sigmoidoscopy**: Similar to a colonoscopy but examines only the lower part of the colon.
4. **CT Colonography** (virtual colonoscopy): Uses imaging to look for polyps and cancer.
5. **Stool DNA tests** (like Cologuard): Looks for certain DNA markers that are associated with cancer or precancerous polyps.

If you're concerned about colon cancer or need screening recommendations, it's best to discuss these with a healthcare provider who can recommend appropriate tests based on your individual risk factors and medical history.