Stool Testing

About Stool testing

The GI-MAP was designed to detect microbes that may be disturbing normal microbial balance as well as indicators of digestion, absorption, inflammation, and immune function.

The GI-MAP stool test utilizes the cutting-edge quantitative PCR (polymerase chain reactions) technology to measure the DNA via PCR in your stool. FDA approved, this technology is used at major hospitals, which is more accurate than a microscopic analyzed test. If you had a microscopic stool test that came back negative, it’s definitely worth your while to run this PCR/DNA test.

What does the GI map test for?

The GI-MAP stool test looks for overgrowths of bacteria, yeast, parasites, worms, fungi and viruses. The panel includes opportunistic organisms, gut flora, parasites, and fungi along with immunologic markers for GI health and function including SIgA, pancreatic elastase, calprotectin, zonulin, anti-gliadin antibodies, and short chain fatty acids. DNA/PCR techniques also allow for the measurement of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors that contribute to pathogenicity. These organisms can be at the root cause for many chronic conditions.

Learn more here

IMPORTANT TEST PREPARATION

READ CAREFULLY:

Collection Instructions

NOTE: Please review all instructions and collection kit components before starting your sample collection. DO NOT discontinue taking prescription medications unless directed by your physician.

The recommendation to discontinue any substance is intended to establish the most accurate baseline finding:

• Antifungals wait 7-10 days before testing.
• Antibiotic/Antimicrobial wait 2-3 weeks before testing.
• Steroid (oral/injectable) wait 3 weeks before testing (unless doctor directs you to not get off them)
• Supplements, including Probiotics: wait 2 days before testing
• Enemas (coffee, activated charcoal): wait 2 days before testing
• Colonoscopy wait 1 week before testing.
• PPI’s (Proton pump inhibitors): wait 2-14 days before testing

Step 1 – Write the Patient Name, Date of Birth (on ID Number line*), and Collection Date on theSpecimen Vial.

* No ID Number — Use space for Date of Birth.

Step 2 – If possible, void urine prior to collecting stool to avoid mixing it with your stool sample. Put gloves on and pass stool into provided Collection Tray.

Step 3 – Using the spoon attached to the cap of the specimen vial, spoon stool from multiple areas of the sample (ie., from at least 4 areas going left to right) into the vial. Fill vial to the red "Fill Line" indicated on the label.

Failure to add sufficient sample may result in the laboratory not being able to process the sample. DO NOT DISCARD THE PINK LIQUID IN THE SPECIMEN VIAL.

Step 4 – Carefully mix stool and fluid with the spoon (attached to the cap). Replace cap tightly and shake vial vigorously for 30 seconds.

Step 5 – A) Fill out the Test Request Form completely and place form into the document holder of the Specimen Bag.

NOTE: Be sure to write the date of sample collection on the form. Payment type must be completed and payment included to process sample.

B) Place capped Specimen Vial containing the collected stool sample into the Specimen Bag along with Absorbent Pad and seal the bag.

C) Place the Specimen Bag with the collected sample and Test Request Form into the Kit Box.

D) Ship completed Kit Box back to Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory using the FedEx Clinical Pak Mailer provided. Please make note of tracking numbers when shipping your package. See shipping instructions below.**

**Stool sample must be received within 6 days of collection. If you cannot ship the specimen on the day of collection, please refrigerate and ship as soon as possible, preferably within 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Stool Testing

Here is a list of answers to the most common questions here.

What are the collection Requirements?

Step 1 – Please write the patients name and date of birth on the capped vial.

Step 2 – If possible void urine prior to collecting stool. Collect stool by passing stool onto Collection tray.

Step 3 – Using the spoon attached to the cap of the vial, spoon stool from different areas of the sample into the vial. Fill vial to the red fill line. Just over half full.

Step 4 – Carefully mix stool and fluid with the spoon. Replace cap tightly and shake vial vigorously for 30 seconds.

Step 5 – Place cap vial into ziplock specimen bag along with absorbent pad. Seal the bag. Place the specimen bag with the sample vial into the kit box.

Step 6 – Fill out the Test Requisition Form completely. Be sure to write the date of sample collection in the Patient section of the form. Payment type must be completed with payment included to process sample. Place Test Request Form into the box with the sample and ship to laboratory. See shipping instructions below.**

**If you cannot ship the specimen on the day of collection please refrigerate the sample by placing the box containing the sample into the refrigerator.

How do I ship the sample?

Specimens may be shipped Monday through Thursday.

Before shipping, be sure that all the samples and the Test Request Form are labeled and completely filled out including payment.

All test tubes should be placed into the bubble bags (provided) and placed inside the test kit box after completing all required breath specimens. The box should be mailed back to the laboratory with the prepaid postage (included) within two days of completion of the test.

Locate the FedEx Clinical Pak mailer. Fill in your name and address on the shipping label attached to the outside of mailer. Place the kit box into FedEx Clinical Pak. Remove strip to reveal sticky film and press both sides of mailer together to seal the pouch.

Call FedEx to schedule a pick-up. Dial 1-800-238-5355. When the automated greeting begins say “Rep”. When asked if you are shipping a package say “Yes”. A live person will then answer to help schedule your pickup. Let them know you are shipping using a Billable Stamp or take to a FedEx shipping center.

Do I have to pay for postage?

Specimens may be shipped Monday through Thursday.

Before shipping, be sure that all the samples and the Test Request Form are labeled and completely filled out including payment.

Can I drop the kit off at a FedEx location?

Yes, please follow the packing and shipping instructions provided with the test kit.

I accidentally threw out the test kit box, can I use another one to ship?

Yes, use any clean small box.

I sealed the bag but forgot to put the paperwork in it can I reopen it?

Yes, just tape it reclosed.

Can I ship my sample on Friday?

No, ship specimens to the lab only Monday – Thursday. The box should be mailed back to the laboratory with the prepaid postage (included) within two days of completion of the test.

My test kit did not have a requisition form, what do I do?

Unless you already received the test requisition in your private portal, you should email or call our office (at info@fortitudefunctionalnutrition.com or 720-580-2078) for a Test Requisition Form.

Stool Testing

About Stool testing

What does the GI map test for?

IMPORTANT TEST PREPARATION

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Stool Testing

Address: