If you have been struggling with chronic digestive issues, unexplained fatigue, autoimmune symptoms, or skin problems, your doctor may have suggested a stool test. But not all stool tests are created equal. The GI-MAP™ (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) is widely considered the most comprehensive stool analysis available, and it is increasingly becoming the test of choice for naturopaths, functional medicine doctors, and integrative health practitioners across the United States and Canada.
What Does GI-MAP™ Stand For?
GI-MAP™ stands for Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus. It is developed and processed by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, a CLIA-certified laboratory based in the United States. The "Plus" refers to the intestinal health markers included beyond the core microbial analysis.
How Is the GI-MAP™ Different from Regular Stool Tests?
The key difference lies in the technology. Traditional stool cultures require organisms to be alive and capable of growing in a lab dish — a process that misses many important pathogens. The GI-MAP™ uses quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology, which detects organisms at the DNA level. This means it can identify pathogens that are present in very small quantities, organisms that are difficult to culture, and even DNA from organisms that are no longer alive but still indicate a recent infection.
Additionally, the GI-MAP™ provides quantitative results — meaning it tells you exactly how much of each organism is present, not just whether it is detected or not. This is critical for practitioners who need to gauge severity and track treatment progress.
What Does the GI-MAP™ Test For?
The GI-MAP™ analyzes over 85 biomarkers organized into several categories:
Bacterial Pathogens
The test screens for harmful bacteria including Helicobacter pylori (with 8 virulence factors), Campylobacter, Clostridioides difficile (toxins A and B), pathogenic E. coli strains, Salmonella, Shigella, and Vibrio cholerae. H. pylori virulence factor testing is particularly valuable — it helps practitioners understand the aggressiveness of an H. pylori infection and make more informed treatment decisions.
Parasitic Pathogens
The GI-MAP™ tests for common parasites including Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and others. These parasites are frequently missed by conventional stool tests and can cause persistent digestive symptoms.
Viral Pathogens
The test detects Norovirus GI/GII and Rotavirus A, two common causes of acute gastroenteritis.
Opportunistic Organisms
These are bacteria and fungi that may be part of the normal microbiome but can cause problems when present in excess. This includes various Candida species, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, and others.
Beneficial Bacteria
The GI-MAP™ quantifies levels of important beneficial bacteria including Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacterium species, Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia, and Bacteroides fragilis. Low levels of these organisms indicate dysbiosis and may explain a range of symptoms.
Intestinal Health Markers
Beyond microbial analysis, the GI-MAP™ includes markers that assess overall gut function: Calprotectin (intestinal inflammation), Secretory IgA (mucosal immune function), Anti-gliadin IgA (gluten sensitivity), Elastase-1 (pancreatic enzyme output), Steatocrit (fat absorption), Beta-Glucuronidase (detoxification and estrogen metabolism), and Occult Blood.
Who Should Consider the GI-MAP™?
The GI-MAP™ is appropriate for anyone experiencing chronic digestive symptoms (bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain), suspected food sensitivities, autoimmune conditions, chronic skin issues, unexplained fatigue or brain fog, recurrent infections, or anyone wanting a comprehensive baseline assessment of their gut health.
How to Order in the USA and Canada
You can order a GI-MAP™ test kit directly through our website. No doctor's referral is required. Kits ship free to all US and Canadian addresses, and the simple at-home collection process means no clinic visits or lab appointments are needed. View our test packages and pricing →