G.I 360 LAB TEST

This document outlines the details of the G.I. test package, which includes a
series of laboratory analyses and associated fees.
| **Type | **Lab Test** | **Turnaround Time** | **Cost**
|------------------------------|----------------------------|-----------------------------

| Stool Sample Analysis | G.I 360 | 4 Days/ 8 Days |

| Questionnaires Interpretation | Comprehensive Assessment of Patient
Responses $95.00
| **Physician Charge** $600.00 + (Lab test fee separate)

GI 360 STOOL LAB TESTING.

Stool testing has been around for a long time. Testing used the same technology of culturing bacteria and yeast for many years before advanced techniques involving DNA analysis became popular in recent years. Culturing, microscopic examination and DNA or PCR probing and testing have their benefits and limitations. The company Doctors Data has used stool culturing for years, but has now added the power of DNA mapping in the comprehensive GI360 test™.

GI360 technology had been in the works for several years before being offered to medical professionals. Scientific research involving the different inhabitants of the large intestine and evidence-based DNA mapping technology is used in the GI360 test. It provides a detailed look at the presence of multiple types of parasitic viruses, bacteria, worms and amoebas, as well as the relative amounts of healthy bacteria, imbalanced bacteria and inflammatory or dysbiotic bacteria and yeast.

Understanding your flora and the balance between bacterial species can lead to various diet changes, specific probiotics to use and treatment strategies to resolve digestive and non-digestive symptoms and conditions. Many medical conditions have a root cause in the gut; thus, knowing the microbiome imbalances can lead to the resolution of symptoms.

The GI360 stool test is performed at home over 3 days. Clear instructions come with the test kit that outline any foods or supplements to avoid before the test and how to store samples until ready to ship. The test usually has a turnaround time of less than 2 weeks for results.

Sample GI360 Test: 

Understanding the GI360 Test

Stool analysis can lead to individualized treatments for optimal wellness. No two microbiomes are the same, with trillions of microorganisms inhabiting the large intestine. The GI360 test provides details about intestinal bacteria, yeast, viruses and parasites.
Unwanted bacteria and yeast that are cultured are also tested for sensitivity to enable the most effective herbs, antibiotics, or antifungals to be used in treatment protocols. The 20+ page report of results encompasses multiple valuable stool markers as well as microbiome information.

The GI360 test has an excellent summary on the first page to begin the report. Diagrams to show the proportions of different bacterial groups, the amount of diversity of bacteria and the amount of imbalance, termed dysbiosis, in the stool sample. If stool chemistry has abnormal findings or if pathogenic or dysbiotic organisms are found, it will be stated here.

The in-depth analysis begins after the summary page and lists 3 pages worth of microorganisms and the relative amounts that normally inhabit the large intestines. This is determined using PCR technology, as is the following section that screens for the presence of pathogens and parasites ranging from viruses, bacteria, protozoa and worms.
Markers of undigested food are noted, which can help to evaluate other aspects of digestion and absorption.

The microbiology section of the report reviews bacteria that were cultured on a medium from the stool sample. Culturing is an excellent way to see bacteria and yeast, relative amounts, but most importantly, there is the ability to do a sensitivity on dysbiotic findings. The lab uses both natural antimicrobials, such as herbs and pharmaceutical agents to show what the effective treatment is. The last page of data tests the levels of 15 stool markers to provide insight into inflammation, bleeding, dysfunctional digestion and amounts of healthy bacteria byproducts.

The GI360 test is the most comprehensive stool test available. It combines PCR analysis and microbiology cultures along with specific biomarkers to give well-rounded insight into digestive function. Other stool tests only use DNA or culture and could potentially miss important information. Depending on what information is desired, the GI360 test covers all aspects and can be ordered for almost anyone.

Why Take the GI360 Test

Digestive health treatment can be difficult if the exact cause of symptoms is unknown. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that involves constipation and/or diarrhea and abdominal pain. The root cause of IBS in over 70% of patients is due to bacterial imbalances or overgrowths. This may be small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or it could be dysbiosis or yeast overgrowth in the gut. Depending on symptoms, it may be suggested to do a SIBO breath test and a GI360 for the most complete picture.
"Learn More About SIBO Common conditions and symptoms that benefit from information from the GI360 test include IBS, IBD, migraines, skin rashes, fatigue, weight control, food reactions or sensitivities and acne. Those with digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, belching, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, acid reflux and newly- formed food reactions should consider ordering the GI360 test.
Understanding the root cause of digestive symptoms and treating with a naturopathic physician can lead to many health benefits. Improved energy, mood, skin and weight control are some non-digestive benefits that might be noted."

Optimizing health to feel and look the best that you can often starts with digestive function and diet. You don’t have to feel digestive symptoms to want to know more about your microbiome. This test can be used to guide dietary changes and determine specific probiotics or fermentable foods that fit with your microbiome. Sometimes dysbiosis or inflammation in the gut can be caught early by testing, even before symptoms have arisen, and can be avoided!

How to Prepare for the GI360 Test

Discuss with your practitioner if there are any changes to your diet leading up to test day; however, usually there is no requirement to restrict foods. The test is a 3-day collection; thus, planning to be home or in a comfortable environment for the test is ideal. Detailed instructions are provided in the test kit and should be read and followed precisely for the best results. Because the microbiome is to be tested, no “killing” supplements or medications should be consumed within 2 weeks of the test. This includes antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals and even some antimicrobial herbs. As test day approaches, stop digestive enzymes, antacids, aspirin, binders such as bentonite clay and charcoal, as well as laxatives of any type. If you are on a proton-pump inhibitor for heartburn or acid reflux, it is ideal to stop 2 weeks prior, but please speak with your naturopathic physician before stopping any prescription medications. Do not collect during menstruation or if there is an active hemorrhoid bleed.

Once you’ve chosen your window of 3 days to test over, review the instructions carefully, and each day, there is a different method and storage. It is ok to collect over more than 3 days if you tend towards constipation and can skip bowel movements. Storage before shipping depends on the color of the lid used. To improve the accuracy of the test, it is ideal to use multiple samples from the stool to fill the vials that are from different areas within the stool. This will ensure a better representation of the microbiome and chemical markers.

Interpreting the GI360 Test Results

The GI360 test results are displayed in an easy-to-understand format. A scale that represents values from -3 to +3 is provided for each bacterium commonly found in a healthy microbiome. Zero represents the normal amount of colonies, and moving to the left, results are lacking this bacteria or over to the right displays an overgrowth. The lab provides commentary on any imbalances and what current research is telling us about the specific bacteria. For the multiple parasites tested, each is listed as negative or positive.

The microbiology section lists the types of bacteria and yeast that were cultured on a medium and the relative amounts of colonization. Bacteria are listed as beneficial, expected, imbalanced and dysbiotic. If any dysbiotic flora are grown, another page lists what can be used to treat and rid the intestine of this overgrowth. The last section of stool chemistries lists each biomarker and indicates if it is low, optimal or high and provides numerical data and units. The laboratory has created a visually easy-to-read report; however, it takes a trained eye to link current and past symptoms with results to develop the right treatment plan. It is always advised to work with a naturopathic physician to understand your results and safely treat to improve your microbiome.

When results show abnormal findings, it is indicated on the report. Sometimes a parasite has been identified or a dysbiotic bacterium cultured. Inflammation can be detected using stool chemistry, and sometimes may indicate that further testing with a specialist is required to rule out inflammatory bowel disease. When results are abnormal, it is often a relief to see that something is causing symptoms and know that it can be treated. Trust that your naturopathic physician will have a plan.

Once treatment has been completed to re-establish optimal gut health, it can be helpful to re-test. Sometimes only part of the test requires a redo, and this is possible. The microbiology culture part of the exam can be ordered without the DNA analysis and stool chemistries. This is useful to determine if dysbiotic species are now gone. Monitoring and tracking digestive symptoms can be extremely helpful should digestion regress after treatment. It is always a good idea to get on top of changes right away when required.

Thinking of Booking a GI360 Test?

The digestive system is responsible for many important roles. Absorption of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fats can only occur naturally in the small intestine. Removal of potentially toxic byproducts of metabolism, estrogens, allergens and pollutants depends on a healthy liver and large intestine. When you think of it, every biological process in the body, every hormone, protein, lipid and carbohydrate uses the nutrients from our diet at some point to be formed. Without healthy digestion, one could easily argue that some of these vital processes are affected.
 
The innovative GI360 test helps to provide an understanding of what works well and what needs support. The microbiome is vast and thus has vast extensions throughout our body’s wellness. Re-balancing the flora of the large intestine can help to remove symptoms that are digestive related and non-digestive related. If you are looking to gain a more optimal state of wellness and healthier digestion, the GI360 test is a great tool to start.

A Bridge-2-Health practitioner usually recommends the GI360 test to clients who are struggling with digestive issues.
 

We believe that the GI360 test can provide valuable insights into the  root causes of digestive problems and help to create a personalized treatment plan.

Book a GI360 Test. The digestive system is responsible for many important roles. Absorption of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fats can only occur naturally in the small intestine. Removal of potentially toxic byproducts of metabolism, estrogens, allergens and pollutants depends on a healthy liver and large intestine. When you think of it, every biological process in the body, every hormone, protein, lipid and carbohydrate uses the nutrients from our diet at some point to be formed. Without healthy digestion, one could easily argue that some of these vital processes are affected.

The innovative GI360 test helps to provide an understanding of what  works well and what needs support. The microbiome is vast and thus  has vast extensions throughout our body’s wellness. Re-balancing the  flora of the large intestine can help to remove symptoms that are  digestive related and non-digestive related. If you are looking to gain a more optimal state of wellness and healthier digestion, the GI360 test 
 
Contact Dr. Abella Joseph

GI360 Test FAQs

Q: What is the GI360 Test, and how does it work?
A: The GI360 test is a comprehensive stool test that analyzes your natural flora (bacteria, yeast and other microorganisms) using both culturing and DNA technology. Stool is collected over 3 days and sent to the laboratory for testing. A detailed, multi-page report is supplied to the ordering naturopathic practitioner.

Q: Why should I take the GI360 Test?

Q: What kind of information does the GI360 Test provide?

Q: How can I prepare for the GI360 Test?

Q: What do I need to do to collect a stool sample for the test?

Q: How long does it take to receive the results of the GI360 Test?

Q: What if my GI360 Test results are abnormal?

Q: Can I retest after taking the GI360 Test?

Q: How do I interpret the results of the GI360 Test? 

Q: Is the GI360 Test covered by insurance?

Get started on your journey to better digestive health today. Digestive Health Services Learn about the underlying causes of your digestive issues. Digestive System Articles