The GI-MAP™ (GI-Microbial Assay Plus) test is the first comprehensive stool analysis to include an FDA-approved DNA/PCR assay for GI pathogens performed on stool*. The pathogen targets include bacteria, parasites and another first for the market – viruses. Using the same molecular technology, for microbe assays that are useful for integrative and function medicine practitioners. And unlike previous PCR (polymerase chain reaction) assays, we have fully validated each target organism in our panel, so that you can have confidence in the results. GI-MAP™ tests for GI pathogens, opportunistic organisms, normal flora, and markers of GI health including:
	
Bacteria
	
Viruses
	
Parasites
	
Fungi
	
Inflammation
	
Immune function
	
Pancreatic function
	
Occult blood
DNA/PCR techniques also allow for the measurement of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors that contribute to pathogenicity. Both are used to help determine clinical significance and the most effective treatments.
 
GI-MAP™ – The Superior Solution
Other available stool tests may appear to be DNA-based, but they are in fact only using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) to identify stool microbes. Their methodology relies on cultures from stool and is not molecular/PCR based assays. With a culture-based test it is not possible to measure strict anaerobes, viruses or virulence factors. They also lack the ability to deliver true quantitation of any of the reported organisms.
 
In addition, other recent test offerings using an FDA-cleared molecular technology only for pathogens do not extend any molecular methodology over an entire comprehensive stool analysis to include opportunistic and beneficial organisms, including bacteria, protozoa, and fungi, all of which are provided through the GI-MAP™.
 
View a sample report here: https://www.designsforhealth.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/GI-MAP-Sample-Report_ARs.pdf