The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) test is an innovative clinical tool that measures the DNA of the gastrointestinal microbiota from a single stool sample, using qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) technology.
The panel provides information on microbial balance and potential factors contributing to gastrointestinal dysfunctions. It analyzes a wide range of organisms that can influence gut health, including pathogenic bacteria, commensal bacteria, opportunistic organisms, fungi, viruses, and parasites, along with important intestinal and immunological markers such as calprotectin, secretory IgA, and pancreatic elastase. This comprehensive analysis helps practitioners understand how microbial patterns may be related to digestive symptoms or other health manifestations.
Results are interpreted in the context of clinical history, digestive function, and environmental factors. Quantitative reporting allows for comparison over time to assess changes in microbial patterns following dietary, lifestyle, or therapeutic interventions. Additional options available include zonulin, StoolOMX (bile acids and short-chain fatty acids), and gluten peptides.
Digestive symptoms: Chronic diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, or abdominal pain.
Changes in bowel habits: Persistent changes in stool frequency, urgency, or consistency.
Suspected gastrointestinal conditions: Evaluation in contexts such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or celiac disease.
Recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms: Investigation of possible bacterial factors, including Escherichia coli or Helicobacter pylori.
Malabsorption problems: Unexplained weight loss, anemia, or signs of nutritional deficiency.
Immune system-related conditions: Exploration of gastrointestinal factors in autoimmune or inflammatory contexts.
Skin conditions: Eczema, acne, or psoriasis, when gut involvement is suspected.
Fatigue or neurological symptoms: "Brain fog," low energy, or mood swings in complex clinical pictures.
The SIBO (Lactulose) Breath Test measures hydrogen and methane levels in exhaled breath over a timed collection to assess fermentation patterns in the small intestine. These gases are produced when undigested carbohydrates interact with bacteria, and their presence in exhaled breath can indicate bacterial activity higher up in the digestive tract than normal.
Increased hydrogen may suggest hydrogen-predominant SIBO, while elevated methane levels may indicate the presence of methane-producing organisms, sometimes referred to as intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO).
The test can be clinically useful in the presence of symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, irregular bowel movements, nausea, or fatigue. Since lactulose is not absorbed, it travels through the entire small intestine, allowing for assessment of fermentation along its entire length. By analyzing variations in hydrogen and methane during the test, an overview of digestive fermentation patterns that may contribute to these manifestations is obtained.
The SIBO breath test provides a practical method to analyze the evolution of hydrogen and methane in correlation with the patient's symptoms and history. The results can guide further investigations or inform decisions regarding digestive comfort, carbohydrate tolerance, and small intestinal function.
Abdominal bloating: Persistent or recurrent bloating, especially after meals.
Abdominal discomfort: Cramps, pain, or a feeling of digestive pressure.
Gas or belching: Excess gas, frequent burping, or digestive noises.
Changes in bowel habits: Constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between them.
Nausea: Occasional feeling of nausea or unstable digestion.
Fatigue: Low energy or a state of fatigue associated with digestive symptoms.
Food reactions: Sensitivity or discomfort after consuming certain foods.
Skin symptoms: Redness, irritation, or rashes that appear along with digestive problems.
Head discomfort: Headaches or a feeling of pressure associated with digestive disorders.
Joint discomfort: Pain, stiffness, or intermittent sensitivity in the joints.
Digestive difficulties: Signs of inefficient digestion or reduced nutrient tolerance.
Unintended weight changes: Weight loss or changes in appetite without a clear cause.
Mood changes: Irritability, depressive state, or emotional imbalance associated with digestive symptoms.
Suspected SIBO: When SIBO with hydrogen or methane predominance or other forms of digestive bacterial overgrowth are suspected.
