GI-MAP by Diagnostic Solutions
GI-MAP stool testing in Boston is one of the most clinically comprehensive and widely used advanced stool testing platforms available, using quantitative PCR technology to evaluate a broad range of bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses with high sensitivity and specificity. It provides a detailed assessment of gut microbiome composition, pathogen presence, antibiotic resistance genes, digestive enzyme function, gut barrier integrity markers, and mucosal immune function indicators, producing a clinically detailed report that supports targeted, evidence-based gut health management. Key markers evaluated through the GI-MAP include H. pylori and its virulence factors, a comprehensive panel of bacterial, parasitic, and fungal pathogens, keystone commensal bacteria and opportunistic organisms, secretory IgA as a marker of mucosal immune function, calprotectin and other markers of gut inflammation, zonulin as a marker of intestinal permeability, and pancreatic elastase as a marker of exocrine pancreatic function.
Genova Diagnostics
Genova Diagnostics offers a range of advanced gastrointestinal testing panels, including the GI Effects Comprehensive Profile, which provides a comprehensive evaluation of gut microbiome composition, digestive function, gut barrier integrity, and inflammatory markers through a combination of PCR-based and culture methods. Genova's testing platforms are well-validated and clinically informative, offering distinct analytical perspectives that complement the GI-MAP in specific clinical scenarios where their particular capabilities are most relevant.
Microbiome Labs
Microbiome Labs offers the BiomeFX platform, which provides advanced microbiome sequencing using the most sophisticated next-generation sequencing technology available to evaluate gut microbial diversity, keystone species presence, and the functional metabolic activities of the gut microbial community. BiomeFX is particularly valuable for patients where a detailed understanding of microbiome diversity and functional capacity is the primary clinical priority, providing actionable nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations alongside the microbiome assessment.
Gut Microbiome Composition and Diversity
Evaluation of the full gut microbial community, including bacterial species diversity, relative abundances, keystone species presence, and opportunistic organism overgrowth, provides the comprehensive picture of microbiome health that targeted restoration protocols require.
H. pylori and Virulence Factors
Detection and quantification of H. pylori alongside assessment of its virulence factors, which influence the clinical significance of H. pylori infection and inform treatment decisions, is a standard component of comprehensive advanced stool evaluation.
Bacterial, Parasitic, and Fungal Pathogens
Comprehensive pathogen detection using quantitative PCR methods evaluates for a broad range of clinically significant bacterial, parasitic, and fungal organisms that may be contributing to gastrointestinal symptoms and systemic health concerns, identifying contributors that standard culture-based testing routinely misses.
Mucosal Immune Function
Assessment of secretory IgA and other markers of mucosal immune function provides insight into the gut's local immune defense and its capacity to maintain appropriate immune surveillance in the gut environment.
Gut Barrier Integrity and Inflammation
Evaluation of zonulin, calprotectin, and other markers of intestinal permeability and mucosal inflammation provides clinically meaningful information about the integrity of the gut barrier and the degree of inflammatory activity in the gastrointestinal environment.
Digestive Function Markers
Assessment of pancreatic elastase, bile acid metabolism, digestive enzyme activity, and other markers of digestive capacity identifies specific functional deficiencies contributing to malabsorption, nutrient deficiency, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
