GI360

The GI360 Profile Test, developed by Doctor's Data, stands out as an advanced diagnostic tool designed to offer healthcare practitioners a detailed analysis of the gastrointestinal microbiome. This test is pivotal for practitioners seeking to understand the complex interplay of various microorganisms within the gut and their impact on overall health.

Key Features of the GI360 Test

Broad Spectrum Analysis: The GI360 test goes beyond standard microbiome assessments by evaluating the diversity and abundance of over 45 analytes. This extensive range ensures a thorough understanding of the patient's gut microbiota.

Pathogen Identification: A critical component of the test is its ability to detect pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Identifying these pathogens is essential in diagnosing and treating various gastrointestinal disorders and related conditions.

Digestion and Absorption Markers: The GI360 test includes markers for digestion and absorption. This aspect is crucial for assessing the gut's functional health and identifying any malabsorption issues that might contribute to nutritional deficiencies and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Inflammatory Marker Assessment: Inflammation in the gut can be a sign of multiple disorders ranging from infections to inflammatory bowel disease. The GI360 test includes markers that help in the identification and quantification of gastrointestinal inflammation.

Advantages of the GI360

The GI360 Test offers several key advantages that enhance a practitioner's ability to diagnose and manage gastrointestinal health issues effectively:

In-Depth Microbiome Analysis

The GI360 test provides a comprehensive examination of the microbiome's composition. This thorough analysis is instrumental for practitioners in understanding how the gut microbiota influences a patient's overall health. It sheds light on the complex interactions within the gut environment, offering insights into various health implications.

Precision in Treatment Planning

With its detailed assessment of pathogens and functional markers, the GI360 test equips practitioners with the data needed for crafting highly targeted treatment strategies. This precision is beneficial whether addressing specific infections, making dietary modifications, managing chronic gastrointestinal conditions, or determining root cause for pertinent systemic health issues. It allows for a more personalized approach to patient care, catering to the unique gut health needs, and physical and mental wellness of each individual.

Diagnostic Accuracy

The broad range of analytes tested in the GI360 provides a more nuanced and accurate diagnosis of complex gastrointestinal issues. This extensive testing spectrum enhances a practitioner's ability to pinpoint the root causes of GI symptoms and disorders, facilitating more effective and timely patient care. The ability to diagnose with greater accuracy ultimately leads to improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Which Patients is The GI360 Best Used For?

The GI360 test is a valuable diagnostic tool for healthcare practitioners looking to investigate a range of gastrointestinal and systemic conditions linked to imbalances in the gut microbiota. Understanding which patients are ideal candidates for this test can significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy.

Gastrointestinal Disorders:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Patients with symptoms of IBS may benefit from the GI360 test to understand microbial imbalances and differentiate from IBD.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis where gut microbiota plays a crucial role and the markers assessed in the GI360 support diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
• Other Gastrointestinal Conditions: Symptoms like acute or chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and mucosal barrier dysfunction are also indications.

Systemic and Related Disorders:

• Celiac Disease: Patients with celiac or gluten sensitivity issues.
• Cardiovascular Diseases: Where gut microbiome balance may influence heart health.
• Neurological Disorders: Including conditions where gut-brain axis may be involved.
• Skin Conditions: Such as eczema or psoriasis, which can have gut-related triggers.
• Autoimmune Disorders and Immune System Imbalances: To assess the gut microbial balance and mucosal barrier integrity  in immune function.
• Multiple Inflammatory Disorders: Where the status of gut permeability and microbiome balance may contribute to systemic inflammation.

Additional Clinical Scenarios:

• Joint Pain and Autoimmune Disease: To explore links between gut health and musculoskeletal or autoimmune symptoms.
• Food Sensitivities: For patients experiencing adverse reactions to certain foods.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: To determine if gut malabsorption or food sensitivity may be contributing.
• Concerning Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Such as bloody stool, fever, or vomiting, which require thorough investigation.

For practitioners, the GI360 test is a comprehensive tool for diagnosing and understanding a myriad of conditions linked to the gut microbiome. Its application ranges from gastrointestinal disorders like IBS and IBD to systemic conditions including autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders. 

Recognizing the appropriate clinical scenarios for its use can lead to more targeted and effective treatment strategies for patients.

What does the GI360 Test Measure?

The GI360 test is a sophisticated diagnostic tool used to investigate gastrointestinal health. It utilizes a blend of advanced techniques to detect and evaluate the presence and impact of various microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. The test's structure and reporting methodology are designed for clarity and precision in understanding gut health.

Detection Technologies Used in GI360

Multiplex PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): This technique allows for the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It's highly sensitive and specific in identifying the DNA of these organisms.

MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight): This advanced mass spectrometry method is used for identifying bacteria and yeast cultures, providing detailed insights into the microbial composition of the gut.

Microscopy: Traditional yet effective, microscopy is employed to visually assess the presence of parasites and other microorganisms that may not be detected by PCR or MALDI-TOF.

Reporting and Interpretation of Results

Dysbiosis Index (DI): The GI360 test reports a Dysbiosis Index, which is a numerical value ranging from 1 to 5. This score is derived from comparing the bacterial abundance and profile in the patient's sample against a reference normobiotic population. The report includes a color coding feature enabling prompt identification of values of concern.

Standard Deviation Scoring:

Range of Scores: Test results are presented as scores ranging from -3 to +3 standard deviations from the normobiotic reference.

Interpreting the DI: A higher Dysbiosis Index signifies a greater deviation from the normobiotic reference. For instance, DI values greater than 2 may indicate a significant shift in the microbiota composition away from the normobiosis.

The GI360 test, through its use of multiplex PCR, MALDI-TOF, and microscopy, offers a comprehensive analysis of the gastrointestinal microbiome. Its reporting system, particularly the Dysbiosis Index, provides clinicians with a quantifiable measure to understand the extent of dysbiosis in the gut. This aids in diagnosing gastrointestinal symptoms and diseases and in formulating effective treatment strategies.

Sample Collection Guidelines

For healthcare practitioners planning to utilize the GI360 test, understanding the sample collection process is crucial for ensuring accurate results. Here is an overview of the requirements for sample collection for this test:

Type of Sample Required

Three-Day Stool Sample: The GI360 test necessitates a stool sample collected over a span of three days. This is to be done by the patient in the comfort of their home.

Collection Timeline and Procedure

Collection Duration: While it is ideal to collect the samples on consecutive days, it is not strictly required. However, it is important to complete the collection within seven days from the first sample.

Reason for Multiple Day Collection: Gathering samples over multiple days provides a more comprehensive overview of the gut microbiota, accounting for daily variations and decreasing possibility of missing some microorganisms

Considerations for PCR Testing

Sensitivity of PCR: The test employs Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), a highly sensitive method capable of detecting very low numbers of pathogens.

Live vs Dead Pathogens: It is important to note that PCR does not differentiate between live and dead pathogens. This characteristic is crucial in interpreting the results accurately.

Post-Treatment Testing Guidelines

Timing for Repeat Testing: To avoid false-positive results, it is advised not to repeat the GI360 test sooner than three weeks after the completion of any treatment. This waiting period ensures that the test does not pick up remnants of dead pathogens that might still be present immediately after treatment.

For practitioners, understanding and conveying these sample collection guidelines to patients is key for the successful implementation of the GI360 test. The meticulous collection process, combined with the sensitivity of PCR testing, contributes to the test's accuracy and reliability in assessing gastrointestinal health.