Description

Advanced Multiplex PCR, MALDI-TOF, and Microscopy-Based Analysis of Gastrointestinal Microbes, Parasites, Viruses, and Bacteria

What Does the GI360™ Test Measure?

This cutting-edge test provides a comprehensive evaluation of your gut ecosystem by identifying:

Beneficial & Commensal Bacteria

  • Key gut flora essential for digestion and immune health such as Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacterium spp., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Lactobacillus spp., Ruminococcus spp., Eubacterium spp., Dialister invisus, and Parabacteroides spp.
  • These bacteria produce important short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that nourish intestinal cells and support systemic health.

Pathogenic & Opportunistic Bacteria

  • Disease-causing and inflammation-associated species including Campylobacter spp., Clostridium difficile (a major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea), Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Escherichia coli (various strains), Yersinia spp., Vibrio cholerae, and Proteobacteria.
  • Their presence and abundance inform infection risk and gut inflammation status.

Viral Pathogens

  • Gastrointestinal viruses such as Adenovirus types 40/41, Norovirus GI & GII, and Rotavirus A, common culprits in acute viral gastroenteritis.

Parasites & Protozoa

  • A wide array of parasitic infections detectable including Giardia, Cryptosporidium spp., Blastocystis spp., Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica, Balantidium coli, Endolimax nana, Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris trichiura, Hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia spp., Dipylidium caninum, and many more.
  • Early detection is key for targeted anti-parasitic therapy.

Fungal & Yeast Overgrowth

  • Detection of yeast species like Candida spp. that may contribute to dysbiosis and systemic symptoms.

Inflammatory & Immune Markers

  • Markers of gut inflammation and immune activation such as Calprotectin, Lactoferrin, Lysozyme, Secretory Immunoglobulin A (SIgA), Occult Blood, White Blood Cells (WBC), and Red Blood Cells (RBC).
  • Help differentiate infectious vs. inflammatory bowel conditions.

Metabolic & Functional Indicators

  • Levels of Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate, butyrate, propionate, valerate that fuel colon cells and modulate immunity.
  • Assessment of total fecal fat and carbohydrates to evaluate digestive and absorptive function.
  • A Dysbiosis Index score summarizing overall gut microbial imbalance.

Additional Findings

  • Presence of Charcot-Leyden crystals (associated with parasitic infections and allergic inflammation), muscle fibers, mucus, and pollen, which provide clues about gut irritation and environment.

Who Should Consider the GI360™ Test?

The GI360™ panel is recommended for individuals who:

  • Experience persistent or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, excessive gas, or abdominal pain
  • Have unexplained weight loss, nutrient deficiencies, or signs of malabsorption
  • Suffer from chronic fatigue, brain fog, or systemic symptoms linked to gut imbalances
  • Have recurring infections or immune dysfunction possibly linked to gut microbiota
  • Have history of travel or exposure to contaminated food or water, increasing risk for parasitic infections
  • Are diagnosed or suspected to have inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
  • Parents of children with developmental delays, behavioral issues, or recurrent GI complaints
  • Seek comprehensive gut health analysis as part of functional, integrative, or precision medicine care

Preparation & Collection Instructions

  • Avoid sample collection for at least 4 weeks after colonoscopy or barium enema procedures
  • Do not collect during menstruation or if bleeding from hemorrhoids is present
  • Discontinue the following medications/supplements 2 weeks prior: antibiotics, antiparasitics, antifungals, probiotics, proton pump inhibitors, bismuth
  • Avoid the following 2 days prior: aspirin, NSAIDs, digestive enzymes, laxatives, mineral oil, castor oil, glycerin enemas/suppositories, activated charcoal, betaine HCl, antacids, bentonite clay

Sample Collection:

  • Stool is collected over 3 consecutive days using supplied sterile collection kits including labeled vials with and without preservatives.
  • Day 1 & Day 2: Use vials with preservatives (BLACK vial), refrigerate after collection.
  • Day 3: Use a vial without preservative (WHITE vial), which requires freezing for at least 6 hours before shipping. Also collect additional preserved samples (BLACK and YELLOW vials) refrigerated.
  • Follow detailed instructions to avoid contamination by urine or water, properly label all vials, and maintain correct temperatures.

Shipping & Processing

  • Can be shipped nationwide with convenient at-home sample collection kits delivered directly to your door
  • Use prepaid FedEx Clinical Pak for shipping samples promptly after collection
  • Shipping time: 3–5 business days
  • Lab processing time: Approximately 8 business days

What Comes with Your GI360™ Report?

Your comprehensive report includes:

  • Detailed identification and quantification of all detected pathogens, parasites, viruses, and bacteria
  • Assessment of gut microbial balance with Dysbiosis Index
  • Inflammation markers and immune status interpretation
  • Metabolic function insights via SCFAs and digestion markers
  • Summary of clinically significant findings with potential health impacts
  • Evidence-based interpretation notes to assist healthcare providers in clinical decision making
  • Actionable recommendations for treatment, dietary modifications, and follow-up testing
  • Visual charts and graphs for easy comprehension of results
  • Comparison to healthy reference ranges

This report empowers healthcare providers to tailor personalized treatment plans addressing infections, dysbiosis, inflammation, and overall gut health optimization.