GI MAP test UK

The test is carried out by Diagnostic Solutions.

 

What Pathogens Does the GI-MAP Test Detect?

Please see a GI MAP sample report here:

 

The GI-MAP test UK identifies a variety of gut pathogens, including bacteria, parasites, and viruses that may be disrupting your digestive health. Common pathogens detected include:

 

 

Pathogens and Analytes

Parasites and Worms Detected by GI-MAP:

Parasites:

• Blastocystis hominis
• Giardia lamblia
• Entamoeba histolytica
• Cryptosporidium species
• Dientamoeba fragilis

Protozoa:

• Chilomastix mesnelli
• Cyclospora species
• Endolimax nana
• Entamoeba coli
• Pentatrichomonas hominis

Worms:

• Ascaris lumbricoides (Roundworm)
• Strongyloides stercoralis (Threadworm)
• Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus (Hookworm)
• Trichuris trichiura (Whipworm)

Bacterial Pathogens:

• Campylobacter
• Clostridium difficile (Toxins A & B)
• Enterohemorrhagic E. coli
• E. coli O157
• Enteroinvasive E. coli / Shigella
• Enterotoxigenic E. coli (LT/ST)
• Shiga-like Toxin E. coli (stx1, stx2)
• Salmonella
• Vibrio cholerae
• Yersinia enterocolitica
• Helicobacter pylori
  • Virulence factors: babA, cagA, dupA, iceA, oipA, vacA, virB, virD

Viral Pathogens:

• Adenovirus 40/41
• Norovirus GI
• Norovirus GII

Normal/Commensal Bacteria:

• Akkermansia muciniphila
• Bacteroides fragilis
• Bifidobacterium species
• Clostridia (class)
• Enterobacter species
• Enterococcus species
• Escherichia species
• Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
• Lactobacillus species

Bacterial Phyla:

• Bacteroidetes
• Firmicutes
• Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio

Dysbiotic/Overgrowth Bacteria:

• Bacillus species
• Enterococcus faecalis
• Enterococcus faecium
• Morganella species
• Pseudomonas species
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Staphylococcus species
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus species
• Methanobacteriaceae (family)
  

Potential Autoimmune Triggers:

• Citrobacter species
• Citrobacter freundii
• Fusobacterium species
• Klebsiella species
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis
• Prevotella species
• Proteus species
• Proteus mirabilis

Fungi/Yeast:

• Candida albicans
• Candida species
• Geotrichum species
• Microsporidia species
• Rhodotorula species

Opportunistic Viruses:

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

 

Intestinal Health Markers:

Digestion:

• Elastase-1
• Steatocrit

Immune Response:

• Secretory IgA (SIgA)
• Anti-gliadin SIgA

Inflammation:

• Calprotectin

Gastrointestinal Markers:

• ß-Glucuronidase
• Occult Blood (FIT)

Optional Antibiotic Resistance Genes (Phenotypes for Helicobacter):

• Amoxicillin
• Clarithromycin
• Fluoroquinolones
• Tetracycline

Methodology

• Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR): This method amplifies and quantifies microbial DNA to identify a wide range of pathogens and markers in the gut.

How long do GI-MAP test results take?

The turnaround time for results from the GI-MAP test is 2 weeks. The results will be e-mailed to you.

 

Who should use the GI-MAP test?

If you have symptoms of IBS and would like to test for leaky gut and inflammation as well as parasites, yeast and bacteria this test is a good choice. If your GP has already ruled out IBD, a gut pathohens test may be another affordable option.

 

How can I order GI-MAP test?

Our GI-MAP testing can be sent to you at home – we  ship all over the UK and Europe. If you would like to order a test please order online  call us on 0345 1297996  or  Contact us

 

How Can the GI-MAP Test Help You?

If you’ve experienced symptoms like IBS, bloating, digestive issues, or suspect a gut infection but have been unable to find answers through standard NHS testing, the GI-MAP test is an excellent option. It helps pinpoint hidden imbalances and infections that standard tests may miss. This test is particularly useful for people looking to address leaky gut, inflammation, and gut microbiome imbalances.

What GUT health markers does the GI-MAP test for?

• Pancreatic Elastase 1
  Elastase 1 is a digestive enzyme secreted
  exclusively by the pancreas, giving a
  direct indication of pancreatic function.
• Occult Blood Fecal
  Immunochemical Testing (FIT)
• Steatocrit
  Fecal fats are normally emulsified by bile
  salts and absorbed in the small intestines.
  High levels of fat in the stool may be an
  indication of maldigestion, malabs
• Beta-Glucuronidase
  High levels of fecal beta-glucuronidase can
  indicate unfavorable metabolic changes in
  the colon.

Additional Gut Health Markers:

In addition to detecting harmful pathogens, the GI-MAP test UK also evaluates key markers of gut health, such as:

 

• Calprotectin: A gold-standard marker for inflammation, particularly useful in distinguishing IBD from IBS.
• Beneficial bacteria  including Bacteroides fragilis, Bifidobacterium spp Lactobacillus spp. Akkermansia municiphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzi and Enterococcus spp and Roseburia spp.Bad bacteria  such as Klesbiella and Enterobacter Clocae, Streptococcus
• Yeast/ Fungal Organisms  such as Candida Albicans, Geotrichum, Microsporidium and Rhodotorula. If these organisms overgrow they may cause illness in certain individuals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How much does GI-MAP test cost UK?

• Our GI Map test includes Zonulin  is £329 include shipping and is the most affordable on the market.

How accurate is the GI-MAP test ?s.

The GI-MAP uses quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), a highly sensitive and specific method for detecting microbial DNA. This molecular technology amplifies even small amounts of DNA, making it more accurate than traditional culture-based tests, which often miss certain microbes, especially those that can’t grow outside the body.

• Sensitivity: qPCR can detect microorganisms at very low levels, meaning it can identify even small or hidden infections.
• Specificity: The test is highly specific because it targets the genetic material of microbes, reducing the chances of false positives.

The GI-MAP test is capable of detecting strict anaerobes, viruses, and virulence factors—microbes and pathogens that often go undetected in traditional stool tests. This expands its ability to give a complete picture of gut health.

 

The test’s sensitivity can sometimes detect microbes at low levels that may not necessarily be causing illness or symptoms, which requires careful interpretation by a healthcare professional.

What are the Collection Instructions for the GI-MAP Stool Test?

 

Antibiotics: If you have recently taken antibiotics, wait 4-6 weeks after completing the course before collecting your sample.

Immune Suppressants/Oral Steroids: These may lower Secretory IgA, Anti-gliadin, and Calprotectin results. Wait 4-6 weeks after stopping these medications before sample collection.

Non-Prescription Antimicrobial Agents: If possible, discontinue any antimicrobial agents 4-6 weeks before testing.

Enzymes: Taking oral enzymes will not affect the Elastase-1 result. However, enzymes containing lipase or ox bile may reduce the Steatocrit value.

Probiotics: Probiotic supplements can alter the balance of normal and opportunistic bacteria. If you want to assess your baseline microbial balance without the influence of probiotics, discontinue them for approximately 2 weeks prior to testing. If you wish to evaluate the effect of the current probiotic, do not stop taking them.

Biofilm Disruptors: There is no strong evidence that biofilm disruptors improve organism detection. However, some clinicians recommend using a biofilm disruptor for up to 14 days before testing, though this is optional.

Sample Collection and Shipping Guidelines

To ensure accurate results, the GI MAP stool test must be completed within a single day, and the sample should be returned to the laboratory within 24 hours due to its brief stability period.

Collection Schedule:

• Please plan to collect your sample on a Sunday or Monday. If you opt to collect on a Sunday, make sure to ship it on the same day (Monday).

Collection Timing:

• You are free to collect your sample at any point during your designated collection day.

International Shipping:

• If you are sending samples from outside the UK, you will need to organize your own courier service for the return shipment. DHL is recommended for reliable service.

Upon completion of your collection, you will receive the necessary return address and a customs letter to facilitate the shipping process.

 

What happens when my results are back?

We will e-mail these to you.

Can I book a consultation after receiving my GI MAP Test Results?

Yes, we do offer consultations in Harley street or via zoom. There will be an additional fee to be paid.

 

1. Review of Results:
   Your healthcare provider will carefully review your results to identify any imbalances or pathogens that may be affecting your gut health.
2. Understanding the Findings:
   The results will include information about various gut bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other markers that reflect your digestive health. Your provider will explain what each finding means in relation to your symptoms and overall health.
3. Personalized Treatment Plan:
   Based on your results, your healthcare provider may recommend a personalized treatment plan. This could include dietary changes, supplements, or other interventions designed to restore balance to your gut microbiome.
4. Follow-Up:
   You may have a follow-up appointment to discuss your results in more detail, monitor your progress, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
5. Additional Testing:
   In some cases, your provider might suggest further testing if specific issues are identified that require more investigation.
6. Lifestyle Recommendations:
   Alongside treatment options, your provider may offer lifestyle recommendations aimed at promoting a healthier gut, such as stress management techniques, hydration, and exercise.