All-in-One Test Provides Faster Testing for Persistent Diarrhea

A convenient new multiplex diagnostic assay evaluates a unique combination of 20 stool and blood serum measures all at once, assisting healthcare providers to more rapidly test for many common causes of persistent diarrhea, compared to sequential testing with standard workup for persistent diarrhea.

Current methods of identifying the underlying cause(s) of persistent diarrhea can be slow, time-consuming, and frustrating. To help more quickly and effectively diagnose the cause(s) of a patient’s ongoing diarrhea (which may be referred to as persistent or chronic), Prometheus Laboratories (San Diego, CA, USA), of Nestlé Health Science (Epalinges, Switzerland), has launch their new assay “IBcause.”

"IBcause may help healthcare providers get to a diagnosis faster and a specific treatment plan sooner than sequential testing and empiric treatment for persistent diarrhea," said Warren Cresswell, Prometheus Diagnostics (Dx), "IBcause brings many key stool and serum assays together, including a proprietary assay that is not available elsewhere in the United States to test for bile acid malabsorption (BAM). BAM may affect up to 50% of patients with unexplained persistent diarrhea and is often overlooked or misdiagnosed as diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D)."

As part of patient support, new resources have been developed, including a guide, videos, a website, and telephone support to address patient questions. A convenient online portal, PrometheusOnline.com, for obtaining fast test results and information for patients, as well as test ordering and results for healthcare providers, is also available.