The GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile test from Genova Diagnostics is a group of advanced stool tests that assess digestive function, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal microbiome to assist in managing gastrointestinal health. Gut microorganisms are codependent on one another, and their human host and the health of one affect the other.
This is the 1-day version of this test; it is also available as a 3-day test.
The choice of either 1 or 3-day collection is based on the clinician's suspicion of parasitic infection. If low or no suspicion, a one-day sample will likely be adequate. If there is high suspicion, a 3-day sample collection is optimal.
Genova Diagnostics has added a level of enhanced clinical utility to GI Effects reporting in the GI Effects Comprehensive Testing. New enhancements make interpretation quicker and easier to prioritize treatment and assess microbiome status.
The report will now synthesize findings by integrating a novel, proprietary scoring system. These Functional Imbalance Scores will help direct targeted therapeutic recommendations with support options included on the front page of the report. Clinicians can prioritize test findings and treatment based on score severity and can track scores over time. Biomarkers are grouped and scored in 5 key areas relating to GI function:
Extensive scientific research associates an imbalance of the normal gut microbiota or dysbiosis to gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and wider systemic alterations such as celiac disease, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, malnutrition, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, immune system imbalances, and multiple inflammatory disorders.
The GI Effects Comprehensive Test will report on biomarkers analysis, providing comprehensive information for developing strategic interventions. Symptoms usually improve as identified functional inadequacies and imbalances are normalized through lifestyle, targeted dietary, and supplementation therapeutics.
The GI Effects Comprehensive Test can reveal critical information about the root cause of gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, diarrhea, bloating, indigestion, abdominal pain, and constipation.
Several biomarkers are analyzed to define a diagnosis. For example, fecal calprotectin is studied to differentiate between IBD and IBS. The GI Comprehensive test can be considered to evaluate patients with a clinical history that suggests a gastrointestinal infection or dysbiosis.
The specific biomarkers measured in this test are related to:
The GI Effects Comprehensive Test combines a selection of high throughput methodologies for the microbiome study. 16S rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification technique for anaerobic commensal bacteria with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) technology and standard microscopic ova and parasite detection with Next-Generation DNA sequencing for Blastocystis spp.
The report will provide the results of the biomarkers analyzed, grouped, and scored in 5 key areas relating to GI function: Maldigestion, Inflammation, Dysbiosis, Metabolite Imbalance, and Infection. A positive result on one or more fecal biomarker tests may guide treatment options or may define or eliminate a diagnosis from further consideration.
A one time stool sample is needed. Stool samples are shipped to the lab for sample analysis.
Genova Diagnostics provides clear information to patients for sample collection. If taking antibiotics, antiparasitics, antifungals, or probiotic supplements, it is recommended that patients wait for a minimum of 14 days after the last dose before commencing the test; 28 days may be preferred after antibiotics treatment.
The GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile is a group of advanced stool tests that assess digestive function, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal microbiome to assist in the management of gastrointestinal health. This is the 1-day version of the test; it is also available as a 3-day test.
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