What is a GI MAP Test?
The GI MAP (aka Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) test is a comprehensive quantitative stool analysis. What does that really mean? The GI MAP is comprehensive in that it analyzes many organisms that include viruses, bacteria, parasites, worms, and fungi/yeast. It is quantitative meaning other gut tests tell me if an organism is present or not; the GI MAP tells me how many organisms are actually present. This information is very useful when determining the degree of infection.
It is not a “microbiome” test where we are looking at the broad landscape of bacteria inhabiting the intestines. Although the microbiome is investigated, the GI MAP test investigates organisms that have been shown to cause issues (“pathogenic” or “dysbiotic”). With this information, we can design individualized treatments to restore balance quicker and more efficiently.
In addition to organisms in your gut, the GI MAP test assesses digestive function, inflammation, and immune function in the intestines.
Why might I need one?
If you are someone who has been dealing with digestive issues without answers for a long time, then this test is bound to provide some direction. This test uses a technology that analyzes the DNA of the bugs in the stool which means it's tough for organisms to hide.
Here are a couple of common situations that come up for people:
For the past 10 years, you have diarrhea and are running to the washroom 6-8 times per day. You have been treated with antibiotics every year and are almost just accepting this to be your new normal. Testing comes back negative and no one knows why. It’s time to look up and down the digestive tract and the GI Map will do that.
You go travelling and “get sick from some food”. You take the antibiotics that you got from your doctor back home and your digestion gets back to being manageable, but not 100%. When you return home you don’t actually go back to having your regular morning ritual anymore and you notice bowel movements changing day to day. Maybe you returned with an extra souvenir in the form of a parasite?
Why does Dr. Rory use it?
Simple. It’s accurate, clear and gives me information that I can transform into an individualized treatment plan for you. It also tells me which areas need more attention than others. The GI MAP test measures the number of organisms present in a sample which is called “quantitative”. This is awesome because it adds to the accuracy of the test but also shows how the gut bugs are responding to treatment upon re-test.
