West Midlands
Diarrhoea
Loose or watery stools are common, but when they become frequent or persistent, they may point to an underlying issue. At OneMedicine, we help you get clarity – fast – with focused investigations and expert care.
Cost
- *Norovirus PCR test £133
- *Rotavirus PCR test £57
- *Clostridium difficile toxin A & B PCR test £113
* There is a flat kit fee of £7, regardless of how many tests are carried out on the sample.
- Focused GP appointment(15min) £75
Symptoms
✔ Frequent bowel movements
✔ Watery or mushy stool
✔ Urgency to pass stool
✔ Abdominal cramping or bloating
✔ Nausea or fever (in some cases)
✔ Dehydration or tiredness (if prolonged)
Common Causes
Loose stools can be triggered by a wide range of factors—from infections to gut sensitivity. Understanding the cause is the first step to feeling better.
Viral Infections
Rotavirus – More common in children but can also affect adults; often causes severe symptoms like vomiting and fever.
Norovirus – Highly contagious; usually leads to sudden vomiting and diarrhea.
Symptoms are typically short-lived but intense, resolving within 2–3 days.
Bacterial Infections
Clostridium difficile (C. diff) – Often associated with recent antibiotic use; can cause persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. If untreated, it may lead to serious complications, particularly in older adults.
Other Causes
Food intolerances (e.g., lactose, gluten)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Medications or supplements
Stress or anxiety
Inflammatory bowel disease (less common)
Investigations
At OneMedicine, we use advanced diagnostic tools to get accurate answers.
✔ PCR Stool Testing – Fast, Accurate, and Comprehensive
A PCR stool test is a modern and highly accurate way to find out what’s causing your symptoms. It works by detecting the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of bacteria, viruses, or parasites in your stool – even in tiny amounts. This makes it much more sensitive than older methods like stool culture.
Why we use PCR:
✔ Fast results – Often within 1–2 working days
✔ Highly accurate – Picks up infections traditional tests might miss
✔ Covers more bugs – One sample tests for multiple viruses and bacteria
✔ Guides treatment – Helps us choose the right medication, or none if it’s viral
What we can detect:
Norovirus – Common viral infection, spreads easily
Rotavirus – Often in children, but can affect adults
Clostridium difficile (C. diff) – Serious bacterial infection linked to antibiotics
Plus many other bacteria, viruses, and parasites
We can also test for inflammation markers and other potential causes based on your symptoms.
Do you have other questions?
At OneMedicine, we offer expert stool culture testing to help diagnose and treat bacterial infections in the digestive system. If you’re experiencing symptoms or are concerned about your gut health, we can provide quick and reliable testing with clear guidance on the next steps.
