GI-MAP (GI Microbial Assay Plus)

The GI-MAP (Microbial Assay Plus) is unique in the field of comprehensive stool testing. It relies exclusively on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, fungi, and more, by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. 

The GI-MAP was designed to detect microbes that may be disturbing normal microbial balance or contributing to illness as well as indicators of digestion, absorption, inflammation, and immune function. The GI-MAP is an amazing tool for diving into the health of your microbiome. The digestive system is the basis of health for the entire body. This test can give us insight into pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and parasites, as well as other various intestinal health markers.

GI-MAP is a very sensitive stool test and goes beyond standard lab testing. Traditional stool testing uses small samples to look for specific pathogens under a microscope. Some microorganisms, especially yeast, bacteria, and parasites may not be present or viable for viewing or culturing in that one little sample, and as a result, many pathogens are missed. The GI-MAP uses qPCR technology to measure certain ribosomal RNA regions and other target-specific gene fragments to detect bacteria. Through the implementation of DNA techniques, there is a greater ability to identify pathogens that might be present. The GI-MAP also only requires one sample, instead of several.

Everyone can benefit from the GI-MAP, even if your symptoms are not commonly related to your digestive system. Digestion is the base of health for your entire body as it is responsible for breaking down that food that literally becomes you. Every cell, tissue, and organ are created from the food that you eat, but you have to be able to break it down first. Poor digestion can have a downstream effect on immune health, skin health, skeletal health, cardiovascular health, mental health, hormone health, thyroid health, and so much more. Even stubborn weight can have root causes within the digestive system. We recommend the GI-MAP as a starting point for just about every new client of Ella Wellness, paired with an HTMA for a more complete picture of what is going on within their internal terrain.

*Please note residents of New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island are not eligible for GI-MAP testing.

The GI-MAP requires a stool sample, collected in the comfort of your own home. The kit you receive will include collection instructions and a prepaid FedEx mailing envelope.

The GI-MAP only looks at one specific immune reaction to food, and that is gluten. We often recommend that the GI-MAP be paired with an additional food sensitivity test depending on the needs of the client. It can be very helpful to do a period of sensitivity elimination during a protocol to reduce inflammation and allow healing to take place. Food sensitivities are not the same as true allergies, and they may not cause an immediate or obvious reaction. This makes it hard for an individual to recognize these inflammatory foods on their own. When GI inflammation has been present for a while, there is a higher likelihood that the immune system has become sensitive to some or many foods. A short period of food elimination at this time may allow the body to have a more conducive environment for healing.

No. This test is not intended to diagnose or treat any form of disease. We use this test to see how we can best support the digestive system and infer potential root causes of systemic dysfunction.

While you can take the test while pregnant or breastfeeding, we usually advise waiting until you are no longer pregnant and have completed breastfeeding as most aspects of the testing protocols would not be advised at this time. The best time to run a GI-MAP would be at least 5 months before you plan on trying to conceive.

After your test results are back, we will put together a protocol for you with dietary, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations. Dietary recommendations may be to eliminate certain foods or increase others. There will always be a supplement protocol provided depending on the testing results that come back. We will see if there is a need for digestive support or pathogen eradication. Protocols typically will be 12 weeks, with GI-MAP retesting at the end so we can monitor progress and reevaluate the plan as needed. These protocols do require a certain level of effort, so you must be able to commit yourself to the program at this time. Reach out today to learn more!