Eosinophil Protein X-Genova Kit


Fasting Required: No

Specimen: Stool

Results: 7-10 Business days

Special Instructions: Ship to lab Monday–Thursday only.
The following are interfering substances and should be discontinued unless directed otherwise by your physician: bentonite clay, betaine HCL or digestive enzymes, castor oil, mineral oil, rectal suspositorites. If you are taking a medication that isn’t listed as an interfering substance, ask your healthcare professional before stopping any prescribed substance.
Eat your usual diet during the 2-3 days prior to stool collection, ideally including some fatty foods (e.g. butter or salad oils) and protein-rich foods, so that we may assess how your body processes them. Contact your healthcare provider with any questions.
2 days before the test: It is recommended that you discontinue use of over-the-counter suppressants of inflammation like aspirin and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(ibuprofen, Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®) unless requested to continue by your physician.

Description: Eosinophils are involved in a broad range of diseases, including those of inflammatory and abnormal tissue origin. There is increasing evidence that eosinophils are involved in the structure of abnormal or diseased organisms in various inflammatory disorders of the gut. In healthy people, eosinophils reside in the connective tissue layer of the gut, known as the lamina propria. It is not until damage occurs to it that eosinophils travel into the gut. Eosinophils contain a number of highly cationic (a positively charged atom or group of atoms) proteins such as eosinophil cationic protein, major basic protein, eosinophil peroxidase, and eosinophil protein X (EPX). Upon eliminating eosinophil granules, these cationic proteins are released, all of which possess potent toxic effects on certain cell properties. Accumulation of EPX in the GI tract is therefore associated with inflammation and tissue damage.

This test is used in combination with other GI tests to assess the function of the gastrointestinal system.