Total GI combines molecular detection, live culture, Total Parasites via Microscopy (Gold Standard), and functional biomarkers from a single stool collection, reported so you can act on them.
Think your gut needs answers? Ask your doctor if RSM’s Total GI or EGHA is right for you. Patients
Molecular diagnostics, traditional microbiology, and functional biomarkers are run on the same specimen, so infection, inflammation, and digestive function can be read against each other.
Direct visualization of protozoa and helminths, reported in addition to PCR. Microscopy can improve parasite detection and organism characterization that molecular testing alone can miss.
Antibiotic and natural agent sensitivity for positive cultures and resistance gene reporting on Total GI.
Measures calprotectin, pancreatic elastase, sIgA, zonulin, and anti-gliadin IgA to clarify immune, barrier, and digestive status.
Choose the stool analysis profile that matches your clinical approach and patient needs.
Total GI Test
Our most comprehensive stool profile delivers a broad view of infection, dysbiosis, inflammation, barrier integrity, and digestive function.
EGHA
A targeted gut health assessment for focused stool evaluation, core pathogen detection, and essential intestinal health markers.
A standalone culture and sensitivity profile with the same bacterial and fungal culture and susceptibility testing included in Total GI and EGHA, offered when a streamlined workup is preferred.
Select additions to stool profiles, or order separately as a bundle
Select individual intestinal and ELISA markers or bundle them through the Digestive Marker Panel. Standard marker inclusions differ by stool profile. See below before ordering add-ons.
Need something that is not on this list? Talk with our team about our other test services and how we can support your patients and your practice.
Our flagship stool profile and the most complete view we offer of the gut: molecular detection, culture, microscopy, and a broad functional marker menu, integrated into one clinical report.
Combines advanced PCR-based molecular diagnostics with traditional culture techniques for high-sensitivity detection and functional organism assessment.
Direct parasite visualization for protozoa and helminths, in addition to PCR. Parasitologic microscopy can improve organism characterization beyond molecular detection alone.
Positive bacterial and fungal cultures are evaluated for antibiotic susceptibility and natural agent sensitivity against 12 natural agents, enabling personalized antimicrobial therapy.
Broad biomarker menu covering digestion and absorption, inflammation and immune activation, gut barrier integrity, microbial activity, and H. pylori antigen, including calprotectin, elastase, sIgA, zonulin, anti-gliadin IgA, stool fat, and stool carbohydrate.
A focused gut health assessment with core pathogen detection, stool culture, microscopy, and key intestinal health markers.
17 PCR targets for GI pathogen detection, combined with bacterial and fungal culture and direct microscopy for ova and parasites.
Bacterial and fungal culture with antibiotic, antifungal, and natural agent sensitivity testing when culture is positive.
Includes fecal calprotectin, pancreatic elastase, secretory IgA, lactoferrin, lysozyme, stool fat, and stool carbohydrate for inflammation and digestive function assessment.
A strong first-line stool evaluation when clinicians need core pathogen, microscopy, culture, and intestinal marker data without the expanded microbiome and resistance gene panel of Total GI.
Compare these two comprehensive stool assessment profiles to choose the one that best matches your patient's clinical needs.
On smaller screens, scroll horizontally to view the full comparison table.
| Feature / Component | Total GI | EGHA |
|---|---|---|
| Total Number of PCR Targets | 68 | 17 |
| Multiplex PCR for GI pathogens | Yes | Yes |
| Total Parasites via Microscopy (Gold Standard) | Yes | Yes (ova & parasite microscopy) |
| Bacterial culture | Yes | Yes |
| Fungal culture | Yes | Yes |
| Antibiotic / antifungal sensitivity | Yes | Yes |
| Natural agent sensitivity | Yes | Yes |
| Fecal calprotectin | Yes | Yes |
| Pancreatic elastase | Yes | Yes |
| Secretory IgA | Yes | Yes |
| Stool fat | Yes | Yes |
| Stool carbohydrate | Yes | Yes |
| H. pylori EIA | Yes | Add-on / broader menu |
| Lactoferrin | Add-on / broader menu | Yes |
| Lysozyme | Add-on / broader menu | Yes |
| Anti-gliadin IgA | Yes | Add-on / broader menu |
| Zonulin | Yes | Add-on / broader menu |
| Expanded commensal microbiome PCR quantification | Yes | No |
| Expanded antimicrobial resistance gene panel | Yes | No |
Preview representative Total GI and EGHA reports to see how RSM presents pathogen detection, culture findings, biomarkers, and clinical interpretation.
Full integrated stool report with expanded PCR, culture, microscopy, resistance gene profiling, and comprehensive functional biomarkers.
View test details →
Focused gut health assessment report with core pathogen detection, stool culture, microscopy, and key intestinal health markers.
View test details →Parasitology is a named component of RSM stool testing, not an afterthought. Total GI includes Total Parasites via Microscopy (Gold Standard): direct visualization used with PCR, not instead of a complete molecular workup.
Microscopy is used for direct parasite visualization, which can improve detection of protozoa and helminths. RSM reports this as parasitologic microscopy in addition to PCR, which can improve organism characterization.
Total GI combines molecular diagnostics (PCR), functional microbiology (culture and sensitivities), direct visualization (microscopy), and functional biomarkers on a single stool specimen. Multi-day collection is not required.
Parasites detected by microscopy is a distinct summary category on the Total GI report, alongside multiplex PCR pathogens, culture, stool examination, and intestinal health markers.
Answers below follow RSM’s Total GI summary, Total GI vs EGHA comparison, competitive comparison chart, and Total GI sample report.
Yes. Cyclospora cayetanensis is reported on GI parasitology microscopy for both Total GI and EGHA. Think you might have Cyclospora? Ask your doctor if RSM’s Total GI or EGHA is right for you.
It is RSM’s named parasitology component: Total Parasites via Microscopy (Gold Standard). Microscopy is used for direct parasite visualization, which can improve detection of protozoa and helminths. Direct parasitologic microscopy is provided in addition to PCR and can improve organism characterization.
PCR is used for fast, sensitive identification. Culture assesses viability and clinical relevance for bacteria and fungi. Microscopy supplies direct visualization of parasites. RSM’s Total GI platform is built as those four methods together, not PCR alone.
Yes. Direct microscopy for ova and parasites is included on both profiles. Total GI is the more comprehensive stool profile and is the profile RSM compares as including Total Parasites via Microscopy (Gold Standard).
No. Total GI uses a single stool collection. Multi-day collection is not required.
Culture and sensitivity data add functional relevance beyond presence/absence results.
Total Parasites via Microscopy (Gold Standard) and functional markers help identify parasites, inflammation, and barrier disruption alongside PCR and culture.
Customizable biomarker selection means the profile can be tailored to clinical presentation and diagnostic goals.
Total GI is the profile RSM compares as including Total Parasites via Microscopy (Gold Standard), live culture, 12 natural-agent sensitivities, and a single stool collection. PCR-only or partial-microscopy panels do not match that parasitology component.
The same bacterial and fungal culture and susceptibility testing included in Total GI and EGHA, offered as a standalone profile when PCR, microscopy, and intestinal markers are not required for the order.
Grows and identifies key beneficial flora and clinically significant bacteria from stool, with clear graded growth reporting.
Culture for yeasts and molds, with straightforward reporting when fungal pathogens are present or absent.
Bacterial and fungal culture with antibiotic, antifungal, and natural agent sensitivity testing, using the same susceptibility approach used in Total GI and EGHA.
A streamlined, culture-only option when clinicians need culture and susceptibility results without the PCR, microscopy, and marker panels of our comprehensive stool profiles.
Select additions to stool profiles, or order separately as a bundle
Select individual intestinal and ELISA markers or bundle them through the Digestive Marker Panel. Review the add-ons list and profile reference cards below before ordering.
Where shown, profile logo chips indicate that markers are already included as standard in Total GI and/or EGHA.
Essential Gut Health Assessment includes:
Selectable add-ons:
Total GI Test includes:
Selectable add-ons:
Markers not included as standard in EGHA or Total GI may be ordered separately or bundled through the Digestive Marker Panel & Add-Ons.
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)
Informational reference on intestinal and ELISA markers offered by RSM Diagnostics Lab.
Inflammation
A protein from neutrophils shed into the intestinal lumen, measured in stool by ELISA. Elevated levels indicate intestinal inflammation and are strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease, helping distinguish inflammatory conditions from functional disorders.
Inflammation
An iron-binding protein released by neutrophils; a stool marker of intestinal inflammation. Elevated lactoferrin helps differentiate organic inflammation (e.g., IBD) from functional symptoms (IBS) and can track IBD activity and relapse risk when followed over time.
Inflammation
An enzyme secreted at sites of gastrointestinal inflammation, present in neutrophil and macrophage granules. Elevated fecal lysozyme reflects mucosal inflammation and complements calprotectin and lactoferrin as an additional inflammatory marker. Particularly useful in Crohn disease involving macrophage activation.
Inflammation
A granule protein released by activated eosinophils; fecal measurement reflects eosinophil-mediated intestinal inflammation. Elevated fecal EDN indicates eosinophilic and allergic-type gut inflammation and has been linked to disease activity and relapse risk in IBD and non-IgE-mediated food protein-induced gastrointestinal allergy.
Immune function
A mucosal immunoglobulin found in gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urogenital secretions; a first-line immune defense at mucosal surfaces. Low sIgA indicates impaired mucosal immunity and increased susceptibility to gastrointestinal infections; high sIgA suggests active mucosal immune response or antigenic stimulation.
Immune function
An IgA antibody directed against gliadin, a gluten component in wheat, barley, and rye. Positive results reflect an immune response to gluten and should prompt evaluation for gluten-related disorders; not specific for celiac disease.
Gut barrier
A protein that modulates tight junctions between enterocytes and regulates intestinal permeability. Elevated stool zonulin has been proposed as a marker associated with increased intestinal permeability. Results should be interpreted alongside clinical findings and other diagnostic information.
Digestive function
A pancreatic enzyme involved in digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates; stool levels reflect exocrine pancreatic output. Low values suggest exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and impaired digestion; normal levels argue against clinically significant insufficiency. Values under 100 μg/g indicate severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, 100 to 200 μg/g moderate, and 200 μg/g or above is generally considered normal.
Digestive function
A qualitative or quantitative assessment of fat in stool as a marker of fat malabsorption. Increased stool fat suggests malabsorption or maldigestion (e.g., exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, celiac disease, Crohn disease, and other malabsorptive disorders).
Digestive function
Detection of carbohydrates in stool as a marker of carbohydrate malabsorption. Presence of stool carbohydrates supports carbohydrate malabsorption and may suggest lactose intolerance, congenital disaccharidase deficiency, pediatric carbohydrate malabsorption, or rapid intestinal transit; interpret with diet and symptoms.
Infectious assessment
An enzyme immunoassay detecting Helicobacter pylori antigens in stool for noninvasive assessment of gastric colonization. Positive stool H. pylori antigen supports active infection associated with dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease, and increased gastric cancer risk. Stool antigen testing is recommended for diagnosis of active infection and for confirmation of eradication after treatment, performed at least 4 weeks after completion of therapy, with proton pump inhibitors withheld for an appropriate interval.
Detoxification (add-on)
A microbial enzyme that hydrolyzes glucuronide conjugates in the intestinal lumen, offered as an add-on detoxification assessment. Elevated activity may be associated with increased deconjugation and enterohepatic recirculation of hormones and xenobiotics; interpret alongside clinical context and other stool findings.
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The laboratory tests and interpretive comments described herein are designed to support, not replace, the clinical judgment of a licensed healthcare professional. Clinicians must use their own training, experience, and knowledge of the patient to determine whether any test is appropriate and how results should be interpreted and applied. RSM Diagnostics Lab does not assume any responsibility or liability for clinical decisions, diagnostic conclusions, or treatment plans made based on this guide or the tests referenced. Users of this guide are responsible for complying with all applicable laws, regulations, payer policies, and standard-of-care guidelines when ordering, interpreting, and acting upon any laboratory tests.
Request a GI test kit, or contact our team for clinician support and panel recommendations.
Looking for testing outside the GI menu? Reach out directly and we will walk you through the rest of our offerings and how we can support your patients and your practice.
2500 Grubb Rd, Suite 120
Wilmington, DE 19810
A side-by-side look at how Total GI compares with widely used GI panels on pathogen detection, functional markers, coverage, and value.
