GI Effects Stool Test
GI Effects Stool Test UK – Genova Comprehensive Stool Profile
The GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile, developed by Genova Diagnostics, is an advanced stool test that evaluates digestive function, intestinal inflammation, gut bacteria and microbial activity.
The GI Effects test provides information about several aspects of gastrointestinal health within a single investigation. It may be particularly useful when assessing persistent digestive symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, constipation and changes in bowel habits.
The fee for this test is £375
What Is the GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Test?
The GI Effects Comprehensive Profile is a laboratory stool analysis developed by Genova Diagnostics.
It examines three main areas of digestive health:
- Digestion and absorption: How effectively the digestive system breaks down and absorbs nutrients.
- Intestinal inflammation and immune activity: Markers associated with inflammation and the immune response within the gastrointestinal tract.
- The gut microbiome: The composition of intestinal bacteria, certain microorganisms and microbial metabolites.
The test combines several laboratory methods to assess these functions.
What Does the GI Effects Comprehensive Profile Test For?
The GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile examines several categories of markers.
1. Digestive Function and Nutrient Absorption
The test measures markers that help assess how effectively food is digested and absorbed.
These include:
- Pancreatic elastase-1: An established marker used to assess pancreatic enzyme production.
- Faecal fats: Measures fats in the stool that may suggest difficulties with fat digestion or absorption.
- Products of protein breakdown: Provides information about protein fermentation and metabolism within the intestine.
These markers may be relevant when investigating persistent diarrhoea, greasy stools, bloating or suspected malabsorption.
2. Intestinal Inflammation
GI Effects includes markers associated with inflammation and immune activity in the digestive tract.
These include:
- Calprotectin: An established marker of intestinal inflammation, commonly used when investigating inflammatory bowel disease.
- Eosinophil Protein X (EPX): A marker associated with eosinophil activity and certain inflammatory responses.
- Secretory IgA (sIgA): An antibody involved in immune protection at the intestinal lining.
- Faecal occult blood: Assesses whether blood is present in the stool.
These markers may help identify findings that warrant additional medical investigation.
3. Gut Microbiome and Dysbiosis
The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria involved in digestion, immune regulation and the production of beneficial metabolites.
Gut dysbiosis describes changes in the composition or function of these microbial communities.
The GI Effects stool profile examines selected intestinal microorganisms and provides information about microbiome composition and relative abundance.
This may include:
- Commensal and beneficial bacteria
- Potentially pathogenic microorganisms
- Patterns of microbial imbalance
- Relative abundance of selected bacterial groups
- Microbiome-associated metabolic activity
Changes in the gut microbiome have been observed in conditions such as IBS and inflammatory bowel disease.
4. Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)
Short-chain fatty acids are produced when intestinal bacteria ferment dietary fibre and other carbohydrates.
The GI Effects test measures several microbial metabolites, including:
- Butyrate: An important energy source for cells lining the colon.
- Acetate: A major microbial fermentation product involved in several metabolic processes.
- Propionate: Participates in intestinal and systemic metabolism.
- Total short-chain fatty acids: Provides information about microbial fermentation activity.
The test also measures beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme produced by intestinal bacteria that participates in the metabolism of certain compounds.
How Is the GI Effects Stool Test Collected?
The GI Effects test is collected at home using a stool collection kit supplied for the selected profile.
The process generally involves:
- Receiving the collection kit and laboratory instructions.
- Preparing for the test according to Genova’s guidance.
- Collecting the required stool specimen or specimens.
- Placing the samples in the appropriate collection containers.
- Returning the completed samples following the supplied shipping instructions.
Genova offers both one-day and three-day collection instructions for certain GI Effects profiles.
Some medications, supplements and dietary factors may influence particular markers. Patients should follow the laboratory’s current preparation guidance and should not discontinue prescribed medication without medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About the GI Effects Test
What is the GI Effects test?
The GI Effects test is a comprehensive stool analysis developed by Genova Diagnostics. It evaluates digestive function, intestinal inflammation, immune activity and selected aspects of the gut microbiome.
Is GI Effects the same as GI-MAP?
No. Although both are comprehensive stool tests, GI Effects uses multiple laboratory methods to evaluate digestive and microbial markers, while GI-MAP primarily uses qPCR technology to detect and quantify selected microorganisms.
Can GI Effects diagnose IBS?
No. Irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed using symptoms, clinical assessment and appropriate investigations to exclude other conditions when indicated. GI Effects is not a validated stand-alone diagnostic test for IBS.
Can GI Effects detect gut dysbiosis?
GI Effects can identify changes in selected intestinal microorganisms and microbiome patterns. However, there is no universally accepted diagnostic threshold for gut dysbiosis, and findings must be interpreted cautiously.
Does the GI Effects test detect parasites?
Parasitology investigations are available within Genova’s testing options. The exact organisms assessed and methods used depend on the profile and any additional testing selected.
What is the difference between GI Effects and an NHS stool test?
NHS stool tests are generally requested to investigate specific clinical concerns, such as infection, intestinal inflammation, pancreatic insufficiency or hidden blood.
The GI Effects Comprehensive Profile combines several digestive, inflammatory and microbiome measurements into one broader investigation.
However, broader testing does not necessarily mean greater diagnostic accuracy or clinical benefit. Some specialised microbiome markers have limited evidence for guiding treatment.
How much does the Genova GI Effects test cost in the UK?
The price of GI Effects testing in the UK is £375.
Can the GI Effects test detect SIBO?
No. Stool testing does not directly diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
When SIBO is suspected, hydrogen and methane breath testing may be more appropriate, depending on the patient’s clinical circumstances.
Is the GI Effects test accurate?
GI Effects includes established clinical markers, such as calprotectin and pancreatic elastase, alongside more specialised microbiome measurements.
Comprehensive Stool Testing at Nutrition & Vitality
At Nutrition & Vitality, we provide nutritional therapy consultations for individuals experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, including bloating, abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhoea and IBS.
Depending on symptoms and medical history, further investigations may be appropriate.
We offer access to selected gastrointestinal investigations, including:
GI-MAP Stool Testing: A DNA-based stool analysis examining selected microorganisms alongside digestive and inflammatory markers.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis: A broader evaluation of digestive function, inflammatory markers and intestinal microorganisms.
SIBO Breath Testing: Hydrogen and methane breath testing to investigate suspected small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or intestinal methanogen overgrowth.
Our approach focuses on selecting investigations according to individual symptoms rather than recommending extensive testing routinely.
A nutritional therapy consultation can also help review existing test results, dietary triggers and potential nutritional strategies.
Learn more about our GI-MAP testing and comprehensive stool testing services, or contact Nutrition & Vitality to discuss which investigations may be appropriate.
Victoria Tyler, BSc (Hons), mBANT, CNHC – Registered Nutritional Therapist
This article is provided for educational purposes and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.
References
Genova Diagnostics. GI Effects Stool Profiles. Available at: https://www.gdx.net/uk/products/gi-effects
Genova Diagnostics. GI Effects Comprehensive Profile – Sample Report. Available at: https://www.gdx.net/uk/core-uk/sample-reports-uk/gi-effects-2200-sample-report.pdf
Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory. GI-MAP Interpretive Guide. Available at: https://www.diagnosticsolutionslab.com/assets/documents/gi-map-interpretive-guide.pdf
Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory. GI-MAP and StoolOMX Sample Report. Available at: https://www.diagnosticsolutionslab.com/assets/documents/stoolomx-gi-map-sample-report.pdf
5. Pathogenic Bacteria, Yeast and Parasites
Depending on the profile selected and any additional investigations, GI Effects testing can examine potentially harmful intestinal microorganisms.
These may include:
- Pathogenic bacteria
- Opportunistic bacteria
- Yeast and fungal organisms
- Intestinal parasites
Need Help choosing the best test?
Selecting the best test can be confusing, feel free to call us on 0345 1297996 or contact us if you need help.
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What Symptoms Might the GI Effects Stool Test Help Investigate?
A comprehensive stool analysis may provide additional information when investigating persistent or unexplained digestive symptoms.
These include:
- Persistent bloating: Particularly when associated with changes in bowel habits.
- Chronic diarrhoea: When assessing digestive function, pancreatic enzyme output or intestinal inflammation.
- Constipation: Where altered bowel habits coexist with other gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Abdominal pain and discomfort: Especially when symptoms persist despite initial investigations.
- Excessive flatulence: Where food fermentation or changes in the gut microbiome may be relevant.
- Greasy or fatty stools: Where fat malabsorption or pancreatic insufficiency is suspected.
- Persistent digestive symptoms following an infection: Where additional investigations may be appropriate.
What methodology does GI-Effects test use?
The Genova GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile combines several laboratory techniques to assess digestive function, intestinal inflammation and the gut microbiome.
The test uses 16S rRNA quantitative PCR (qPCR) to measure 24 selected commensal bacterial targets, alongside traditional bacterial and fungal culture to identify viable microorganisms.
MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is used to identify bacterial and fungal species recovered through culture.
Additional methods include microscopy for intestinal parasites, real-time PCR for selected parasites, and immunological and biochemical assays for markers such as pancreatic elastase, calprotectin and microbial metabolites.
Unlike stool tests that rely primarily on DNA detection, GI Effects combines molecular testing with culture-based and other laboratory methods.
Is GI Effects better than GI-MAP?
Both tests investigate gastrointestinal health, but they use different laboratory approaches and provide somewhat different information.
The GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile, developed by Genova Diagnostics, combines digestive, inflammatory and microbiome markers with several laboratory methods.
The GI-MAP test, developed by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, uses quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to measure the DNA of selected gastrointestinal microorganisms. It also includes markers of digestive, immune and inflammatory function.
GI Effects vs GI-MAP Comparison
| Feature | Genova GI Effects | GI-MAP |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory | Genova Diagnostics | Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory |
| Main approach | Multiple laboratory methods | Primarily qPCR for microorganisms, plus other marker assays |
| Gut bacteria | Yes | Yes |
| Pathogenic microorganisms | Yes, according to selected profile | Yes |
| Pancreatic elastase | Yes | Yes |
| Calprotectin | Yes | Yes |
| Secretory IgA | Yes | Yes |
| Short-chain fatty acids | Yes | Available through separate StoolOMX add-on |
| Beta-glucuronidase | Yes | Yes |
| Parasites | Profile-dependent testing | Targeted organisms |
| Collection | Home stool collection | Home stool collection |
Which Is Better: GI Effects or GI-MAP?
Neither test is universally better.
GI Effects may be considered when a broader assessment of digestion, inflammation, microbial composition and short-chain fatty acids is required within a comprehensive profile.
GI-MAP may be considered when a practitioner wants quantitative DNA measurements of selected gastrointestinal microorganisms, alongside additional digestive and inflammatory markers.
Both tests have limitations, particularly in how microbiome findings relate to symptoms and treatment decisions.
The most appropriate investigation depends on the clinical question being asked rather than the number of markers included.
GI Effects Sample Report – What Does It Look Like?
A Genova GI Effects sample report demonstrates how results are presented and interpreted.
The Comprehensive Profile typically contains sections covering:
- Digestive and absorption markers
- Intestinal inflammation and immune markers
- Commensal microbiome analysis
- Microbial metabolites
- Selected microorganisms and pathogen findings
- Laboratory reference ranges and interpretive information
Individual results may be displayed alongside reference ranges or comparisons with reference populations.
You can view an example directly from Genova Diagnostics:
View the Genova GI Effects Comprehensive Profile Sample Report (PDF)
Additional Tests Available with the GI Effects
The Genova GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile offers several optional add-on tests that can provide further information about intestinal infections, inflammation, yeast and gut barrier function.
What Additional Tests Are Available?
1. Campylobacter
This test looks for Campylobacter, a group of bacteria associated with gastrointestinal infections. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever and nausea.
2. Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile)
This add-on investigates toxins produced by C. difficile, a bacterium that can cause significant intestinal inflammation and diarrhoea, particularly following antibiotic treatment. The add-on is not available for children under two years old.
3. Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (E. coli)
This test detects Shiga toxins associated with certain pathogenic strains of E. coli. These infections may cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea and, in some cases, bloody stools.
4. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
The H. pylori stool antigen test investigates infection with a bacterium associated with gastritis and peptic ulcers.
Symptoms may include upper abdominal discomfort, nausea and indigestion, although some people experience no symptoms.
5. Faecal Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is a protein released by certain white blood cells during inflammation.
Elevated faecal lactoferrin may indicate intestinal inflammation and can help distinguish inflammatory conditions from functional gastrointestinal disorders. However, it does not identify the underlying cause of inflammation.
6. Zonulin Family Peptide
Zonulin is associated with the regulation of tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells, which help control the movement of substances across the intestinal lining.
The GI Effects zonulin family peptide add-on measures stool proteins associated with this pathway.
Although zonulin has been investigated in relation to increased intestinal permeability, commonly available commercial zonulin assays have important limitations regarding specificity and interpretation.
Therefore, an elevated zonulin family peptide result cannot independently diagnose intestinal permeability or ‘leaky gut’.
7. Macroscopic Examination for Worms
This investigation involves visually examining a stool specimen for larger intestinal parasites, including whole worms or visible tapeworm segments.
It differs from standard microscopic parasite testing, which looks for parasite eggs and other microscopic forms.
A macroscopic examination may be particularly relevant when visible worm-like material has been noticed in the stool.
8. KOH Preparation for Yeast
A potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation is a microscopic technique used to help identify fungal elements within a stool specimen.
It can provide additional information about the presence of yeast alongside fungal culture findings.
Does GI Effects Include Antimicrobial Sensitivity Testing?
Yes, GI Effects tests include antimicrobial sensitivity testing.
If certain bacteria or yeasts are grown in the laboratory, they may be tested against selected antimicrobial substances to see how they respond.
These may include prescription medicines and some plant-based compounds such as oregano, caprylic acid.
Understanding Your GI Effects Stool Test Results
The Genova GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile provides a detailed report of your digestive health.
The results are divided into five main areas to help you understand how well your digestive system is functioning and whether there are any signs of inflammation, imbalances in gut bacteria or possible infections.
1. Digestion and Absorption
This section looks at how well your body digests food and absorbs nutrients.
The test measures:
Pancreatic elastase: Helps assess whether your pancreas is producing enough digestive enzymes.
Faecal fats: Checks for excess fat in your stool, which may suggest problems digesting or absorbing fat.
Protein breakdown products: Provides information about how bacteria break down protein in your gut.
These results may help investigate symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, greasy stools and digestive discomfort.
2. Gut Inflammation
This section looks for signs of inflammation in your intestines.
It includes:
Calprotectin: Helps identify intestinal inflammation, which can occur with conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Eosinophil Protein X (EPX): A marker that may increase with certain types of inflammation.
Secretory IgA: An antibody that helps protect your gut lining.
Occult blood: Checks for small amounts of blood in your stool that cannot be seen.
These markers can help identify whether further medical investigations are needed.
3. Gut Bacteria and Microbiome Balance
Your gut contains trillions of bacteria, many of which play an important role in keeping your digestive system healthy.
The GI Effects test examines selected bacteria in your gut and looks for changes in their numbers and balance.
Gut bacteria help to:
Break down certain foods and dietary fibre.
Produce beneficial substances called short-chain fatty acids.
Support your immune system.
Help maintain a healthy intestinal lining.
Protect against some harmful microorganisms.
The test may identify changes in your gut bacteria, sometimes called gut dysbiosis.
However, changes in gut bacteria do not necessarily mean you have a digestive disorder.
4. Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Prebiotic Support
This section looks at substances produced when gut bacteria break down fibre and other carbohydrates.
These substances are called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
They include:
Butyrate: Helps nourish the cells lining your large intestine.
Acetate: Plays a role in gut bacteria activity and metabolism.
Propionate: Supports several important metabolic processes.
The test also measures beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme produced by certain gut bacteria.
These results provide information about how your gut bacteria are functioning.
However, they cannot tell you exactly which fibre supplements or prebiotics you need.
5. Potentially Harmful Bacteria, Yeast and Parasites
This section looks for certain microorganisms that may be associated with digestive problems.
Depending on the test options selected, these may include:
Potentially harmful bacteria
Yeast, including Candida
Intestinal parasites
Some of these organisms can be present without causing symptoms.
Finding a particular bacterium or yeast does not automatically mean that treatment is needed.
GI Effects testing includes antimicrobial sensitivity testing.
If certain bacteria or yeasts are grown in the laboratory, they may be tested against selected antimicrobial substances to se
FAQ
Does GI Effects Test for Candida?
Yes, fungal culture can be used to identify certain yeasts, including Candida.
Can the GI Effects Test Detect Poor Digestion?
The test measures markers that can help identify problems with certain aspects of digestion and absorption, including pancreatic enzyme production and fat absorption.
Can a GI effects detect SIBO?
If SIBO is suspected, a hydrogen and methane breath test is generally a more appropriate investigation. This measures gases produced by microorganisms following the consumption of a test sugar, such as glucose or lactulose.