Gastrointestinal Screen - Viruses LIS Code: SH24
Comprehensive gastrointestinal viral test detecting Norovirus, Rotavirus, Adenovirus, and more. Identify causes of vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach infections.
Before your test
Good to know: Stool sample required. Collect in a sterile container. Avoid contamination with urine or water.
What's included in this profile
- Screens a stool sample for viral causes of gut infection
- Helps identify the cause of digestive symptoms
- Part of a comprehensive gut pathogen panel
About this profile
The Gastrointestinal Viral PCR Stool Test is an advanced molecular diagnostic test designed to detect common viruses responsible for gastrointestinal infections, including Norovirus, Rotavirus, Adenovirus, Astrovirus and Sapovirus.
Using highly sensitive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology, this test detects viral genetic material in a stool sample, helping identify infections associated with viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as a stomach bug or stomach flu.
This test is particularly useful for investigating symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, stomach cramps and unexplained gastrointestinal discomfort.
Viral gastrointestinal infections can spread through contaminated food or water, contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Identifying the virus responsible for an infection can help healthcare professionals assess the cause of symptoms and guide appropriate clinical management.
The Gastrointestinal Viral PCR Panel provides sensitive and specific detection of six viral targets, supporting the investigation and diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections in adults and children.
Viruses Tested
This panel screens for six viral targets:
Adenovirus (AdV) – Certain adenovirus types can cause gastrointestinal infections, particularly in infants and young children, leading to diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort.
Astrovirus (AstV) – A virus associated with gastroenteritis, commonly causing diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal pain, particularly in children and older adults.
Norovirus GI (NoV-GI) – A highly contagious norovirus genogroup that can cause sudden vomiting, watery diarrhoea, nausea and stomach cramps.
Norovirus GII (NoV-GII) – One of the most common causes of acute viral gastroenteritis, often responsible for outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhoea.
Rotavirus (RotV) – A gastrointestinal virus that can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and dehydration, particularly in infants and young children.
Sapovirus (SV) – A viral pathogen associated with gastrointestinal illness, causing diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and abdominal discomfort in both adults and children.
Who Should Consider This Test?
This test may be suitable for individuals who:
Experience persistent or unexplained diarrhoea.
Have vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps or abdominal discomfort.
Experience symptoms of suspected viral gastroenteritis or a stomach bug.
Have been in close contact with someone experiencing a gastrointestinal infection.
Develop digestive symptoms following international travel or suspected exposure to contaminated food or water.
Require investigation of a suspected viral intestinal infection.
Important Clinical Information
The clinical indications provided are for general informational purposes only and do not represent a complete list of possible reasons for testing.
This PCR panel detects selected gastrointestinal viruses and does not screen for every possible viral, bacterial or parasitic cause of gastrointestinal illness.
A positive PCR result indicates the presence of targeted viral genetic material but does not necessarily confirm an ongoing active infection. A negative result does not completely exclude gastrointestinal infection.
Results should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional alongside the patient's symptoms, medical history, clinical examination and other relevant investigations.
