The GI effects Comprehensive 

The GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile Biomarkers

The biomarkers from the GI Effects Comprehensive Profile are reported using the DIG framework, providing key clinical information for three main gastrointestinal functional areas:

• Digestion/Absorption:

  • Pancreatic Elastase-1 is a marker of exocrine pancreatic function.

  • Products of Protein Breakdown are markers of undigested protein reaching the colon.

  • Fecal Fat is a marker of fat breakdown and absorption.

• Inflammation/Immunology:

  • Calprotectin is a marker of neutrophil-driven inflammation. Produced in abundance at sites of inflammation, this biomarker has been proven clinically useful in differentiating between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).3,4

  • Eosinophil Protein X is a marker of eosinophil-driven inflammation and allergic response.

  • Fecal Secretory IgA is a marker of gut secretory immunity and barrier function.

• Gut Microbiome:

  • Metabolic indicators, including short-chain fatty acids and beta-glucuronidase, demonstrate specific and vital metabolic functions performed by the microbiota.

  • Commensal Bacteria demonstrate the composition and relative abundance of gut organisms.

    • More than 95% of commensal gut organisms are anaerobic and are difficult to recover by traditional (aerobic) culture techniques.

    • GI Effects assesses a set of 24 genera/species that map to 7 major phyla.

  • Bacterial and mycology cultures demonstrate the presence of specific beneficial and pathological organisms.

  • Bacterial and mycology sensitivities are provided for pathogenic or potentially pathogenic organisms that have been cultured. The report includes effective prescriptive and natural agents.

  • Parasitology includes comprehensive testing for all parasites on every parasitology exam ordered.

    • GI Effects provides microscopic fecal specimen examination for ova and parasites (O&P), the gold standard of diagnosis for many parasites.

    • 6 Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targets detect common protozoan parasites including Blastocystis spp. with reflex subtyping 1-9, Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia. PCR for organisms is emerging as a highly sensitive method for infectious organism detection.

    • Selection of a one-day or three-day sample collection is based on the clinician's clinical index of suspicion for parasitic infection. If there is no/low suspicion, a one-day sample will likely be adequate. For high suspicion, a three-day sample collection is optimal.

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