Description

The GI360™ Essentials Profile is an advanced stool test that combines cutting-edge molecular PCR technology with traditional culture, sensitive biochemical assays, microscopy, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry identification. This comprehensive approach allows detection and detailed assessment of pathogens, viruses, parasites, and beneficial or harmful bacteria potentially causing acute or chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and diseases.

Detailed Biomarker Explanation

1. Bacterial Biomarkers

  • Actinobacteria & Bacilli: Important phyla involved in gut health and immune regulation.
  • Bacteroides fragilis: A key gut commensal; imbalances may affect inflammation.
  • Bifidobacterium species (e.g., adolescentis, bifidum, breve, longum): Beneficial bacteria that support digestion, immune function, and pathogen resistance.
  • Clostridia Class & Clostridium difficile: Includes both beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria and pathogenic species like C. difficile, responsible for antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis.
  • Dialister, Dorea, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii: Important commensals producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that maintain gut barrier health and reduce inflammation.
  • Firmicutes & Proteobacteria: Major gut bacterial phyla; imbalance can indicate dysbiosis or infection.
  • Lactobacillus species (e.g., acidophilus, casei, rhamnosus): Beneficial probiotics involved in maintaining healthy gut flora.
  • Ruminococcus spp., Veillonella spp., Streptococcus spp.: Gut microbes with roles in digestion and immune interactions.
  • E. coli (including pathogenic strains like enterohemorrhagic and enterotoxigenic): Detection of potentially harmful strains that can cause severe GI illness.

2. Viral Markers

  • Adenovirus 40/41, Norovirus GI & GII, Rotavirus A: Viruses associated with gastrointestinal infections causing diarrhea and vomiting.

3. Parasitic Markers

  • Protozoa: Blastocystis spp., Giardia, Dientamoeba fragilis, Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica and others — these can cause chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malabsorption.
  • Helminths (worms): Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia spp., Trichuris trichiura, etc. — intestinal parasites causing nutrient malabsorption, anemia, and GI symptoms.

4. Fungal Markers

  • Yeast culture: Detects overgrowth or infection by fungal species such as Candida and Saccharomyces, which may disrupt gut flora balance.

5. Toxins and Virulence Factors

  • Clostridium difficile Toxin A & B: Identifies presence of toxins causing pseudomembranous colitis.
  • Shiga-like toxins (stx1, stx2) from E. coli: Indicators of potentially dangerous bacterial strains causing severe GI disease.

6. Inflammation and Immune Markers

  • WBC (White Blood Cells): Presence in stool indicates intestinal inflammation.
  • RBC (Red Blood Cells): Presence may indicate GI bleeding.
  • Charcot-Leyden Crystals: Markers associated with eosinophilic inflammation.
  • Dysbiosis Index: Reflects imbalance between beneficial and harmful gut microbes.

7. Additional Markers

  • Mucus and Muscle Fibers: Indicates epithelial cell shedding or gut lining integrity.
  • Vegetable Fibers and Pollen: Can suggest dietary components and possible allergen exposure.

Who Should Consider the GI360™ Essentials Profile?

This test is ideal for individuals experiencing:

  • Chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms, such as:
  • Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, or abdominal pain
  • Unexplained weight loss or malnutrition
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Suspected or confirmed infections of the GI tract (bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal) causing symptoms or complications.
  • History of antibiotic use or hospitalization, leading to possible C. difficile infection or dysbiosis.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients needing comprehensive microbiome and pathogen profiling.
  • Immune-compromised patients with GI symptoms needing broad pathogen screening.
  • Patients with suspected parasite infection from travel, exposure, or unexplained GI complaints.
  • Individuals with functional GI disorders (e.g., IBS) where microbial imbalance may be contributing.
  • Unresolved GI symptoms after standard testing or treatment, requiring detailed stool analysis.

Shipping & Processing

  • Shipping Time: 3-5 business days
  • Sample Processing Time: Average 8 business days
  • Sample Shipping: Ship as soon as possible after collection; do NOT leave samples in FedEx drop boxes
  • Samples collected on three consecutive days to improve detection accuracy
  • Avoid sample collection during menstruation or active hemorrhoid bleeding

Preparation Guidelines

  • Discontinue probiotic supplements for 2 weeks prior to collection
  • Avoid these medications prior to collection:
  • 3 days before: Antibiotics, antifungals
  • 2 days before: Aspirin, NSAIDs, digestive enzymes, antacids
  • Do not discontinue prescription medications without consulting your healthcare provider

Sample Collection Instructions

  • Collect stool samples on three consecutive days using the supplied kits (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3)
  • Collect stool in supplied containers without contamination from urine or water (tip: use plastic wrap over toilet seat)
  • Transfer stool into provided black and yellow preservative vials as instructed
  • Label each vial with patient name, date of birth, and date of collection
  • Shake vials vigorously for 30 seconds after filling, then place into corresponding collection bags

Why Choose the GI360™ Essentials Profile?

  • Multimodal testing enhances accuracy and scope beyond molecular or culture methods alone
  • Three-day consecutive sampling improves detection sensitivity
  • Covers a broad range of microbes and gut health markers critical for diagnosing complex GI disorders
  • Helps clinicians personalize treatment plans and improve patient outcomes