Microbiome Testing

Our overall health and well-being are inextricably linked to the condition of our gut microbiome. Studies have revealed a direct connection between an unbalanced gut microbiome with various illnesses within and beyond the gastrointestinal tract. The metabolic activities performed by these bacteria greatly affect people’s bodies, while conversely, physical actions taken by us can harm and damage bacterial colonies living inside our guts.

Standard testing is limited in detecting microbial infections, making it difficult to accurately diagnose and treat other issues. Advanced microbiome testing is important for those at risk of complex chronic conditions like microbiome dysfunction, immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and more.

By conducting an Advanced Microbiome Test, you can learn valuable information about the cause of common digestive issues like bloating, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Moreover, this type of testing offers insights into more serious diseases such as IBD, eczema, autoimmune conditions, heart disease and cancer. Additionally, it can provide crucial data concerning mental health disorders such as depression and chronic fatigue syndrome and influence weight management.

On average, microbiome testing is limited to examining a few infections and gauging the absorption rate of certain foods. It doesn’t offer an in-depth analysis of the entire bacterial environment. The most common basic metabolic tests include:

• Stool Gastrointestinal Profile – A measures a broad range of infections, such as Campylobacter, Clostridium, Cryptosporidium, E coli, Entamoeba, Giardia, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia.
• Stool for White Blood Cells – The analysis assesses the presence of infection-fighting cells released when a harmful bacteria, virus, or pathogen has entered the body.
• Stool for Fecal Fat and Muscle Fibers – Evaluate the fat and meat residue levels in the stool. Abnormal amounts of these substances may indicate malabsorption disorders, such as pancreatic exocrine dysfunction or gastrocolic fistula, which occur when the gut has difficulty breaking down ingested food.

GI Effects Comprehensive Profile by Genova provides a deeper and more comprehensive analysis of an individual’s microbiome than regular stool testing. The biomarkers of this advanced microbiome testing also demonstrate the three integral roles in promoting gut health: Digestion/Absorption, Inflammation/Immunology, and the Gut Microbiome. Unlike the basic tests mentioned earlier, this type of testing offers a comprehensive canvas of the entire intestinal environment to identify potential imbalances in microbiome health.

• Pancreatic Elastase-1 is a biomarker used to measure exocrine pancreatic function.
• The Products of Protein Breakdown are used as markers to indicate that undigested proteins have reached the colon.
• Fecal Fat is a marker of fat breakdown and absorption.

• Calprotectin is a marker of inflammation caused by neutrophils, with exponentially more being produced around areas of inflammation. It has been clinically proven to be highly effective in determining the difference between IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
• Eosinophil Protein X is a definitive indicator of eosinophilic inflammation and allergic tendencies.
• Fecal Secretory IgA is a crucial indicator of the gut’s secret immunity and capacity to provide an effective barrier.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for colorectal cancer screening/detection.

• Metabolic markers such as short-chain fatty acids and beta-glucuronidase demonstrate the essential metabolic roles that gut microbiota execute.
• Detecting and categorizing bacteria to uncover gut microorganisms’ proportion, abundance, and degree of microbiome diversity.
• With bacterial and mycology cultures and sensitivities, it’s possible to identify specific beneficial and non-beneficial organisms efficiently. Additionally, the results will contain a concise report detailing effective prescriptive medicines and natural remedies that can be used in treatment of the pathogens.
• Parasitology exams thoroughly evaluate all parasites present, with microscopic fecal specimen examination (O&P) serving as the gold standard for diagnosis. This method remains an essential tool in discovering and identifying parasite infestations.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) makes it possible to identify common protozoan parasites such as Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium parvum/hominins, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia quickly and effectively.
• A critical assessment of biomarkers is necessary, and thus we must evaluate such key indicators as Campylobacter, Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli, and Helicobacter pylori.

Our centers do Advanced Microbiome Testing with the GI Effects Comprehensive Profile by Genova on our patients to evaluate various conditions, including: