Ultimate Guide to the GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile

Imbalances in the gut microbiome impact the entire body and are a root cause of a variety of chronic diseases. The GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile, one of the leading gut health tests, provides an extensive analysis of overall gastrointestinal health, including an analysis of the gut microbiome. By analyzing digestive health, metabolic health, immune health, inflammation, and the presence of pathogens, this test provides insights into the cause of a patient’s symptoms and the type of treatment a patient needs. 

What is the GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile?

The GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile offers a thorough examination of overall gastrointestinal health. It analyzes various biomarkers indicating digestive health, metabolic health, immune health, and inflammation. It also includes bacteriology and parasitology to investigate the various pathogens in the gastrointestinal system. 

What is the GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile used for?

The GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile is a useful test for any patient suffering from common gastrointestinal symptoms, including gas, bloating, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. It analyzes several markers, including fecal calprotectin, that can help differentiate IBS from IBD. Its analysis of various bacteria and parasites also makes it a useful test for patients with suspected gastrointestinal infection or dysbiosis. 

What is reported by the GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile?

The GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile analyzes 50 different markers of digestion, absorption, inflammation, and balance of the gut microbiome. A full list of biomarkers included in this test can be found at the end of this article. The GI Effects® report also provides insight into the treatment the patient needs - digestive support, inflammation modulation, microbiome support, prebiotic support, or antimicrobial support - and provides therapeutic options accordingly.  

How do you collect a sample for a GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile?

The GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile requires a stool sample. Patients with a 1-day test must only collect one stool sample (4 collection tubes). Patients with a 3-day test must collect one stool sample a day for three consecutive days. For the samples to be analyzed properly, the patient should fill the collection tubes to the fill line. Once Genova Diagnostics analyzes the samples, our team will upload results to your Rupa Health portal. 

Should patients stop taking probiotics before completing the GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile?

Genova recommends stopping probiotics 2-4 weeks before completing a GI Effects® test. However, patients should consult their healthcare practitioner before discontinuing any medication, especially any prescription medication. 

Who can order a GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile?

Your state's regulations on ordering rights dictate whether or not you can order a GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile. If you are not an MD or a DO, you may be required to have a physician authorization form on file with Genova. Please reach out to us via your Rupa Health portal or by emailing us at [email protected] if you have questions about your ability to order a GI Effects® test.

Similar tests to the GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile

Some popular tests similar to the GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile are the GI 360™ from Doctor’s Data, the Comprehensive Stool Analysis from Doctor’s Data, the Comprehensive Stool Analysis from The Great Plains Laboratory, the Gut Zoomer from Vibrant Wellness, and the GI-MAP from Diagnostic Solutions. All of these tests use a stool sample to analyze the gastrointestinal system and the intestinal microbiome.