Using the GI360 Test in Clinic

Each year, up to 70 million people are affected by a digestive disorder in the U.S. With the increasing prevalence, health options must be available for individuals seeking to address these issues. Digestive issues like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can lead to other health issues and negatively impact overall quality of life.

The GI360 test by Doctors Data is an option for individuals who are seeking insights into their digestive health. This lab can provide early detection of gastrointestinal (GI) issues, enabling customized prevention and maintenance protocols to help manage these conditions effectively.

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What is the GI360 Test?

The GI360 Profile is an advanced stool analysis tool that uses modern molecular technology, along with culture-based methods, sensitive biochemical tests, and microscopy, to detect and evaluate pathogens, viruses, parasites, and bacteria that could be contributing to GI symptoms. These GI issues can be acute or chronic.

This test is useful for assessing overall gut health as it examines the DNA of gut microbiota, identifying and characterizing over 45 specific factors that previous scientific research has linked to dysbiosis and various chronic conditions. It utilizes a Dysbiosis Index (DI) to calculate the overall abundance and composition of bacteria in the sample compared to a standard reference population.

Furthermore, the GI360 can detect pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and parasites in real time through multiplex PCR technology. Viruses, which are a common cause of acute diarrhea, are often underdiagnosed but can now be identified. Additionally, the GI360 test will analyze markers of digestion, absorption, and inflammation to provide a thorough health assessment of the GI system.

Are There Certain Individuals Who Would Benefit From The GI360 Test?

A disruption to the gut microbiome can result in a range of health issues, including gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, IBD, and systemic conditions like celiac disease, cardiovascular concerns, neurological issues, malnutrition, skin conditions, immune system imbalances, and various inflammatory conditions. The GI 360 may be beneficial for individuals dealing with any of these conditions.

This test could provide valuable insights into the underlying factors of symptoms. It can also offer insights into symptoms and conditions such as joint discomfort, mucosal barrier function, food sensitivities, abdominal discomfort, and changes in bowel habits.

What Information Does the GI360 Test Provide?

The GI360 Test uses evidence-based and clinically relevant technology such as multiplex PCR and microscopy to evaluate the health of the microbiome. It measures the composition of various pathogens, viruses, parasites, and bacteria. Imbalances of these microbes can inform the individual of any underlying factors that may be contributing to their GI symptoms.

As previously mentioned, this test also provides a DI to analyze the presence of dysbiosis, with scores ranging from 1 to 5. The result will show a -3 to +3 standard deviation, with results showing >2 indicating dysbiosis. The GI360 profile also assesses multiple analytes and markers, such as butyrate-producing bacteria, indicating the production of short-chain fatty acids that can support digestive health and the abundance of beneficial microbes.

This test will also measure inflammatory markers such as proteobacteria, which can be associated with gut inflammation. Overall, the GI360 will measure 45 different markers that are relevant for gut health.

How to Use the GI360 Test in Clinic

For optimal results, it's important that individuals follow detailed instructions and guidelines. It's also essential to set some expectations for this sample collection. Ensure that they are aware that this is a 3-day at-home stool collection test. Stool specimens should be collected on three separate days. While consecutive days are preferred, it is not mandatory. However, the final collection must be made within seven days of the first collection.

These instructions may be difficult to remember, so let them know they will also have the instructions included in the lab kit that will be sent to them. It's also important to note that while PCR testing is highly sensitive, it cannot distinguish between live or dead pathogens. Therefore, the test should not be repeated sooner than three weeks after treatment to avoid false positives.

The results of this test can help create a personalized gut health protocol. Retesting can allow monitoring of the effectiveness of the interventions and make adjustments accordingly.

Here are the detailed instructions to provide:

Preparation & Timing:

Wait at least four weeks after a colonoscopy or barium enema before collecting samples.

Do not collect during menstruation or while actively bleeding from hemorrhoids.

Avoid certain medications for 2 weeks prior to collection:

Antibiotics

Antiparasitics

Antifungals

Probiotic supplements

Proton pump inhibitors

Bismuth

Avoid certain medications for two days prior to collection:

Aspirin

NSAIDs

Digestive enzymes

Laxatives

Mineral oil

Castor oil

Glycerin enemas/suppositories

Activated charcoal

Betaine HCl

Antacids

Bentonite clay

Collection Instructions

Day 1 Collection

Write your name, birthdate, and the date you collected the sample on the vial.

Urinate before collection.

Collect stool in the provided container, avoiding contamination with urine or water.

Use plastic wrap on the toilet or a flat surface to collect the sample.

Put on gloves.

Remove the cap from the BLACK vial, not touching the preservative.

Use the attached spoon to transfer the stool into the BLACK vial, collecting it from different areas until it reaches the FILL LINE (do not overfill).

Tighten the cap and shake the vial for 30 seconds.

Place the BLACK vial back into the Day 1 bag.

Refrigerate but do not freeze the sample.

Day 2 Collection

Repeat the same steps as day 1 using the contents from the day 2 bag.

Day 3 Collection

Write your information on the WHITE vial.

Urinate before collection.

Collect stool in the provided container, avoiding contamination.

Use plastic wrap as before.

Put on gloves.

Transfer stool into the WHITE vial (no liquid preservative) until it reaches the FILL LINE (do not overfill).

Tighten the cap securely, but do not shake.

Place the WHITE vial in a separate bag and seal.

Insert the included Polar Ice Pack into the pouch on the bag.

Freeze for a minimum of 6 hours before shipping.

Additionally, follow the same process as day 1 for the BLACK and YELLOW vials, refrigerating them but not freezing them.

Prepare for Shipping

After at least 6 hours, remove the WHITE top vial bag from the freezer.

Place the WHITE top vial bag and Polar Ice Pack in the test kit box.

Remove the other vials from the refrigerator.

Place the Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 collection bags in the test kit box.

Insert the completed test requisition form.

Close the test kit box.

Place the test kit box in the provided prepaid FedEx Clinical Pak mailer.

Make a note of the tracking number for sample tracking.

Shipping

Ship via FedEx.

To schedule a FedEx pickup, call 1-800-463-3339.

Follow the automated prompts for scheduling.

Indicate that your label has the word "Stamp."

Your tracking number is on the Return Label.

Do not place samples in a FedEx drop box.

Results

Results are typically released to your healthcare provider 3-8 business days after the lab receives the samples. Processing times may vary, and this isn’t guaranteed.

The provider will notify you when the results are completed to schedule a follow-up.

Labs to Consider for Further Insights

Here are some other labs provided by Doctor's Data that can complement the GI360:

Hepatic Detox Profile

Gut and liver health generally go hand in hand in functional medicine. The Hepatic Detox Profile will measure urinary D-glucaric acid (a product of Phase I detox) and urinary mercapturic acids (products of Phase II detox) to assess exposure to over 200 chemicals, liver health, and the liver's ability to process substances. The body naturally processes various substances using liver enzymes, and measuring these metabolites can guide interventions to support liver health.

Plasma Amino Acids

Disruptions in gut health can lead to absorption issues such as amino acids. Proper nutritional intake of amino acids is essential to overall health and provides the foundation the body needs to form proteins. If absorption issues are suspected, the Amino Acid test may be beneficial in conjunction with the GI360 test. This test can also provide insights into hepatic and renal function and neurotransmitter signaling.

Hair Elements

There is a relationship between gut health and brain health called the gut-brain axis. Disruptions in the gut can also impact overall neurological function. If neurological symptoms are present, the Hair Elements test may be indicated along with the GI360 to provide an in-depth analysis of factors that may be contributing to symptoms. Hair Elements analysis is done through a hair sample and can detect recent or ongoing exposure to certain substances.