GI 360 Essentials Profile

What this laboratory test evaluates

The GI360™ Essentials Profile offers an extensive assessment of the gastrointestinal microbiome. It Includes: • PCR Analysis for the Abundance and Diversity of Key Bacterial Populations of the GI Microbiome
• PCR Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria, Viruses, and Parasites
• Comprehensive Parasitology by Microscopy
• MALDI-TOF ID of Cultured Bacteria and Yeast
• Standardized Susceptibility Testing of Isolated Bacteria and Yeast

Microbiome Abundance and Diversity:The GI360 Essentials Profile includes a gut microbiota DNA analysis tool that identifies and characterizes the abundance and diversity of more than 45 targeted analytes that peer-reviewed research has shown to contribute to dysbiosis and other chronic disease states.

The GI360 Essentials Profile can identify the presence of pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and parasites using multiplexed, real-time PCR. Viruses are the primary cause of acute diarrhea and are the least commonly tested. The identification of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites improves treatment strategies and patient outcomes.

The Dysbiosis and Diversity Index:These indices are calculated from the results, with scores ranging from 1 to 5, and do not include consideration of dysbiotic and pathogenic bacteria, yeast, parasites, and viruses that may be reported in subsequent sections of the GI360 Essentials Profile.

A dysbiosis score above 2 indicates dysbiosis – a microbiota profile that differs from the defined normobiotic reference population. The higher the score above 2, the more the sample deviates from the normobiotic profile.

A diversity score of 3 indicates an expected amount of diversity, with scores of 4 and 5 indicating an increased distribution of bacteria based on the number of different species and their abundance in the sample, calculated using Shannon’s diversity index. Scores of 1 or 2 indicate less diversity than the defined normobiotic reference population.

This expanded view of clinically significant bacteria offers actionable data to the practitioner, particularly in combination with the complementary methodologies employed in the GI360 Essentials Profile.

Additional test information

The GI 360 Essentials profile includes dysbiosis, abundance and diversity assessments of the gut microbiome based on 45 peer reviewed analytes shown to contribute to dysbiosis and other chronic disease states, GI pathogens via multiplex PCR parasitology via microscopy, and bacterial microbiology with susceptibilities (prescriptive and natural agents).

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Stool
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should arrive 10 business days after the lab receives samples.

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.

Related Sunridge care

Learn how Sunridge approaches Digestive Conditions and ask whether this test is appropriate for your clinical question.