Diagnostic tests

Manufacturer: Genova Laboratories

Material: Stool, three samples (the test includes identification of parasites)

Waiting time for results: about 14 days

Shipping: Individually arranged for the patient, according to their time preferences

 

The test is available for Vitality patients throughout Poland and those living abroad.

 

Possible additional tests for the GI Effects test: Zonulin, H. pylorii, Campylobacter, Clostridium Difficile, Lactoferrin

 

GI Effects is an innovative stool test that measures key biomarkers of GI function. GI Effects provides valuable clinical information on digestive health, gut inflammation, and the gut microbiome—areas that impact not only GI health but also the health of other systems in the body. The test measures biomarkers from 5 main categories: digestion, inflammation, dysbiosis, metabolic disorders, and infection (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic).

 

GI Effects is highly recommended for patients seeking the root cause of many chronic conditions, including the common intestinal bacterial and methanogen overgrowths (SIBO, IMO) seen in our patients. The range of biomarkers in the GI Effects study provides comprehensive information for the clinician to help develop treatment strategies.

 

The test is recommended for patients struggling with ailments such as:

• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

• SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth)

• IMO (intestinal methanogen overgrowth)

• autoimmune diseases (especially Hashimoto's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis)

• allergies

• food intolerances

• food hypersensitivities

• celiac disease

• digestive and absorption disorders

• overweight, obesity and underweight

• weight fluctuations

 

Vitality doctors and dietitians experienced in interpreting the functional tests we order, prepare targeted interventions based on the test results, including pharmacotherapy, diet and lifestyle changes.

 

Genova Diagnostics is one of the best and oldest laboratories in the world, which has specialized in developing functional tests for years. The test results obtained in the Genova laboratory are based on the analysis of full stool profiles of hundreds of thousands of patients.

Biological samples are shipped and processed in the United States.

 

We invite you to see an example of a study result. (click here)

Manufacturer: Diagnostics Solutions

Material: Feces, one sample

Waiting time for results: about 21 days

Shipping: Individually arranged for the patient, according to their time preferences

Additional tests: Zonulin, H. pylorii, OMX profile

 

The test is available for Vitality patients throughout Poland and those living abroad.

 

Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP) is an advanced diagnostic test that enables the analysis of gut microbiota DNA from a single stool sample using modern quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology.

 

GI-MAP is designed to detect microorganisms (such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi) that can disrupt the microbial balance in the gut and provides information on digestive processes, absorption, inflammation, and immune function. Unlike culture-based tests, this method allows for the identification of microorganisms that are difficult to detect in traditional tests, such as anaerobic bacteria, viruses, and virulence factors.

 

The high accuracy and reliability of GI-MAP technology enable the development of individual therapeutic protocols for the treatment of intestinal microbiota disorders. In addition, the quantitative assessment of detected microorganisms allows for precise monitoring of the effectiveness of therapy, enabling the assessment of whether parasites have been eliminated, whether dysbiosis has improved, and also enables monitoring of other aspects of treatment.

 

Parameters determined in the GI MAP test: pathogenic bacteria, commensal bacteria, parasites (in patients with a strong suspicion of parasitic infections, we recommend the GI Effects test), pathogenic viruses, fungi and yeasts, digestion markers (elastase, steatocrit), inflammation, fecal occult blood, beta-glucuronidase.

 

The price of the test includes the determination of H. pylori together with virulence factors and the determination of zonulin level (a marker of intestinal leakage).

 

Available as an add-on to the test: OMX profile - a test assessing the metabolism of bile salts and the production of short-chain fatty acids.

 

Biological samples are shipped and processed in the United States.

 

We invite you to see an example of a study result. (click here)

Manufacturer: Nordic Labs 

Material: exhaled air, assessment of hydrogen and methane concentration levels, 3-hour test

Waiting time for results: about 14 days

Shipping: Individually arranged for the patient, according to their time preferences

 

The test is available for Vitality patients throughout Poland.

This is a test that allows for self-collection of exhaled air samples at home.

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The breath test is the gold standard for diagnosing SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and IMO (Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth). The test involves collecting exhaled air samples at specific time intervals over a period of 3 hours. It can be performed by the patient themselves in the comfort of their own home.

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The test is recommended for individuals experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as: constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, abdominal pain, excessive gas, and belching. The presence of SIBO or IMO may also be associated with symptoms affecting other systems of the body.

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Clinical studies indicate that up to 80% of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may have SIBO, which can be easily and non-invasively confirmed with a hydrogen/methane breath test.

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It is now known that the presence of SIBO or IMO may also be linked to symptoms and diseases in other body systems. A particularly important group includes people suffering from autoimmune diseases (especially Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or atopic dermatitis), in whom gut dysbiosis is often observed as one of the factors that exacerbates the condition.

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We invite you to review a sample test result. (click here)

Manufacturer: Genova Diagnostics 

Material: saliva 

Waiting time for results: about 2 weeks

Shipping: Individually arranged for the patient, according to their time preferences 

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A test that allows self-collection of samples at home

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The Adrenocortex Stress Profile is a daily cortisol secretion profile that provides valuable information about adrenal function and the body's response to stress.

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By assessing cortisol and DHEA levels throughout the day, this profile helps identify patterns of adrenal dysfunction, such as adrenal fatigue or dysregulation, which may contribute to various health problems.

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Additionally, the daily cortisol test sheds light on the body's natural circadian rhythm and the impact of chronic stress factors (related to a stressful lifestyle, improper diet, or physical activity).

From a functional perspective, treating adrenal dysfunction requires assessing a person's current stress level and developing a treatment plan that may include diet, lifestyle, supplementation, and hormone measurements, tailored to the individual's test results.

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This test analyzes the levels of two adrenal hormones—cortisol and DHEA—in four saliva samples collected throughout the day. DHEA is a hormone that counteracts the effects of cortisol. The balance between these two hormones is crucial for the body's proper response to stress. DHEA levels decline with age.

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The test is especially recommended for patients with: autoimmune diseases, as a tool to investigate causes of IBS, SIBO, IMO, chronic fatigue syndrome (morning fatigue, excessive daytime tiredness), sleep disorders, glucose-insulin metabolism disorders, weight issues, and anxiety or depression.

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Biological samples are shipped to and processed in the United States.

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We invite you to review a sample test result. (click here)​​

Manufacturer: Genova Diagnostics 

Material: saliva 

Waiting time for results: about 2 weeks

Shipping: Individually arranged for the patient, according to their time preferences 

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Test available for Vitality patients throughout Poland and for those living abroad.

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Additional possible test for the Metabolomix test: Fatty acids from a dry blood spot

 

Metabolomix is an advanced, non-invasive diagnostic test that assesses the actual nutritional needs of the patient’s body and the functioning of key metabolic processes. It combines laboratory tests based on a morning urine sample, with the option to extend it with a finger-prick blood sample (dry blood spot).

 

Metabolomix is especially recommended for people with:

• Chronic fatigue, lack of energy

• Mood disorders (depression, anxiety)

• Memory and concentration problems

• Chronic stress

• Chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease)

• Suspected nutritional deficiencies

• Intestinal problems or food intolerances

• Suspected Candida overgrowth

 

What does Metabolomix examine?

 

Assessment of nutritional needs and metabolic balance

• Demand for: vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, fatty acids, digestive support

• Indicators: oxidative stress, methylation disorders, toxin burden, mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid disorders

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Organic acids analysis (from urine)

• Assesses gut function, microbiome balance, cellular energy production (Krebs cycle), neurotransmitter metabolism (serotonin, dopamine), detoxification, and oxidative stress

 

Amino acids analysis (from urine)

• Indicates deficiencies of essential (from diet) and non-essential (produced in the body) amino acids and problems with protein absorption

 

Oxidative stress markers

• Show whether damage caused by free radicals is occurring in the body

 

An additional test for fatty acids from a dry blood spot is possible, to analyze omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 fatty acids, saturated and trans fats, and assess cardiovascular disease risk.

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We invite you to view a sample test result (click here)

Sample: Exhaled breath collected into test tubes
Test duration: 3 hours
Turnaround time: Up to 5 business days

Shipping: Arranged individually for each patient, according to their preferred time
Availability: The test can be performed anywhere in Poland

Price: 430 PLN – includes courier delivery of the test kit to the patient

 

The hydrogen–methane breath test for SIBO and IMO is currently the gold standard diagnostic method for identifying these conditions. It allows for a non-invasive assessment of whether excessive growth of hydrogen- or methane-producing bacteria is present in the small intestine, which is crucial for determining further therapeutic management.

The complete and recommended test lasts 3 hours. A major advantage is the ability to perform it independently at home, in a calm and comfortable environment. The obtained result, when properly interpreted in relation to the patient’s clinical symptoms, enables an accurate diagnosis of SIBO or IMO and the initiation of targeted treatment.

The breath test is particularly recommended for patients experiencing the following symptoms and conditions:

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• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

• Bloating

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Excessive belching

• Abdominal pain

• Food intolerances and sensitivities (lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance)

• Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity

• Autoimmune diseases (especially Hashimoto’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis)

• Allergies

Sample: Stool
Turnaround time: Up to 10 business days

Shipping: Arranged individually for each patient, according to their preferred time
Availability: The test can be performed anywhere in Poland

Price: 400 PLN – includes courier delivery of the test kit to the patient

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Parasitic infections often have a silent course or cause non-specific symptoms that can easily be mistaken for IBS, SIBO, or food intolerances. They may lead to chronic bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, loss or increase of appetite, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as well as chronic fatigue, reduced immunity, skin changes, hives, or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases. Undiagnosed parasitic infections can also significantly hinder the treatment of other gastrointestinal disorders or chronic conditions.

As part of the test, the presence of intestinal helminths, protozoa, and coccidia is assessed. The analysis includes both parasites most commonly found in our climate zone as well as those characteristic of tropical regions.

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List of parasites tested:

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• Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides)

• Giardia (Giardia lamblia)

• Pork tapeworm (Taenia solium)

• Beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata)

• Dwarf tapeworm (Hymenolepis nana)

• Dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum)

• Cryptosporidium (Cryptosporidium spp.)

• Hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale)

• Entamoeba histolytica (Entamoeba histolytica)