Can I order my own stool test?

[ginnyrdhap]

I am currently undiagnosed and have to wait another 4 weeks to do the pillcam test. In the mean time I'd like to do the stool tests for calprotectin and lactoferrin. For some reason my GI never suggested these and now he's on vacation. Does anyone know where I can order a test kit online? I found a site that does it but it's in the UK.

Thanks!

 

[Jennifer]

I'm pretty sure you have to have your doctor order it in order for you to be able to take it to any lab. Have your GP order them since your GI is out of town.

 

[prplkow]

I know for sure that Quest Diagnostics will not do anything without a lab request from a doctor.

 

[ginnyrdhap]

I found a place online called Health One Labs that lets you order your own blood work. Well, at least certain ones that they provide,but it's a fairly long list of choices. They have a provider that works for the lab that authorizes your lab requisition and then you just take it to your local neighborhood lab that is contracted with Health One. You have to pay with a credit card and don't take take insurance. I ordered a test for Magnesium levels, Vit D, and C-Reactive Protein. It came to $127, not too bad. I had never known you could do this until David mentioned it in a post. I guess you as the patient get the results, but you can take it to your doctor if you need it interpreted.

Anyhow, I was hoping there was an online lab that does this for stool tests as well. Maybe not. Sending a stool sample to the UK might be a bit too far. Yuk! Maybe I will just ask my GP to order it.

 

[kiny]

Just check which labs are close by and ask them to do the test. You do not need a doctor to get simple tests done, it's 2012, not the middle ages, you can can buy your own ELISA kits. Many labs will do tests if you explain your issue without a problem. I call the lab and get my own tests done, most of the time they don't even charge me, my doctor fully supports me and actually encourages me when I do this, knowledge is power, don't be affraid to just call up labs and talk to people.

 

[ginnyrdhap]

Wow kiny,

I thought labs absolutely required a lab requisition. I'll call my lab though and give it a try. Thanks for the advice.