In gastroenterology, missed tests often mean missed diagnoses—and missed opportunities for timely, effective care. As functional GI diagnostics continue to shift toward non-invasive, value-based solutions, such as hydrogen and methane breath testing, optimizing each step of the diagnostic process has never been more critical. One of the most powerful—and often overlooked—levers to improve test completion and clinical utility is simple: kit registration.
Whether breath test kits are provided in the office or shipped directly to a patient’s home, registration is the critical link between diagnostic intent and diagnostic action. It activates CDI’s integrated patient support services, enables real-time tracking for providers via MyGI Gateway, and helps ensure that no test—and no patient—falls through the cracks.
For in-office kit distribution, patient compliance and test return rates are highest when the kit is registered at the time it is handed out. This can be done in one of two ways:
- The patient registers the kit using the enclosed instructions and QR code, or
- The provider’s office completes and returns a copy of the required requisition form to CDI at the time of distribution.
When registration is skipped, patients may forget test timing protocols, discard the kit, or become overwhelmed with questions about self-administration. In contrast, kit registration initiates CDI’s patient outreach team, allowing for gentle reminders, preparation tips, and follow-up support—all designed to help patients complete testing accurately and on time.
Direct-to-Patient Shipments: Visibility Begins with the Order Form
When kits are shipped directly to patients, accurate and complete contact information is critical. Including the patient’s phone number and email address on the provider order form is the key to unlocking full-service patient engagement.
Once a kit is shipped, CDI uses these details to:
- Confirm delivery
- Provide education on test preparation and administration
- Offer live support and reminders to complete and return the kit
Practices that consistently provide patient contact details see significantly higher return ratios and faster turnaround times—leading to better outcomes and less administrative follow-up.
Real-Time Tracking with MyGI Gateway™
CDI’s MyGI Gateway™ platform gives providers and practice staff visibility into every breath test order—whether in-office or shipped direct-to-patient. Through the portal, you can:
- Track kit status (ordered, shipped, received, registered, completed)
- Monitor return ratio trends
- Identify unreturned kits in real time for proactive outreach
- Centralize all breath test results in one place
This closed-loop system not only improves practice efficiency but ensures that every patient who receives a test has the best chance of completing it—strengthening the diagnostic workflow and reducing gaps in care.
Missed Tests = Missed Diagnoses
Functional GI Disorders (FGIDs) like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO), and carbohydrate malabsorption often present with overlapping symptoms, making objective testing essential. When a patient fails to complete a breath test, the result isn’t just a lost data point—it’s a potential delay in diagnosis, a missed treatment window, and prolonged patient distress.
Improving test compliance through simple steps, such as registering kits and providing complete contact information, can directly impact the quality of care delivered. It’s a small action with big clinical implications.
Final Takeaway – Register Every Test Kit!
In the world of at-home diagnostics, registration is the foundation of compliance. Whether handled by the patient, the provider, or integrated into the order process, it activates support systems, enhances visibility, and drives meaningful outcomes for both patients and providers.
For practices looking to elevate their breath testing performance, start with this question: Are all your kits being registered?
