By Madison Ordway, FDN-P

If you’ve been dealing with chronic bloating, unpredictable digestion, persistent fatigue, hormonal issues, or skin problems that won’t resolve, gut health is one area worth exploring. As a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, I’ve worked with clients across North America on gut-related questions using functional testing. The GI-MAP stool test has been one of the tools I use regularly in my practice.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what the GI-MAP is, how it works, who it’s designed for, and how you can order one from anywhere in the United States or Canada.

What Is the GI-MAP Test?

The GI-MAP, short for Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus, is a comprehensive stool test developed by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory. What differentiates it from conventional stool testing is its technology. The GI-MAP uses quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), a DNA-based detection method that identifies and quantifies the genetic material of microorganisms in a stool sample. Results indicate not only whether something is present but also how much is there, which can be useful context when a practitioner is building a care plan.

The GI-MAP tests for a range of markers across several categories:

• Bacterial pathogens, including H. pylori and its virulence factors, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and toxin-producing E. coli strains
• Parasitic pathogens, including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba histolytica
• Opportunistic bacteria that can overgrow when the gut ecosystem is imbalanced
• Commensal (beneficial) bacteria that support a healthy microbiome
• Intestinal health markers, including Secretory IgA, Zonulin, and Anti-gliadin IgA
• Digestive function markers like pancreatic elastase and fat absorption
• Gut inflammation markers

How Is the GI-MAP Different From a Regular Stool Test?

This is one of the most common questions I get from clients. Conventional stool cultures, the kind typically ordered through a family doctor, attempt to grow bacteria in a lab setting. Because many microbes don’t survive well outside the body or in standard lab conditions, culture-based methods can miss organisms that are present. The result can be a test that comes back within reference ranges even when someone is experiencing ongoing symptoms.

The GI-MAP’s qPCR technology takes a different approach. Instead of trying to grow organisms, it detects their DNA directly from the sample. This allows the test to identify organisms at low quantities that culture-based testing may not pick up.

In my practice, I’ve worked with clients who had years of unresolved symptoms and normal conventional stool results but whose GI-MAP came back with findings such as H. pylori or indications of dysbiosis. Having more detailed data can help inform next steps with a qualified practitioner.

Who Should Consider Getting a GI-MAP?

In my clinical experience, gut testing is something to consider for a wider range of people than many realize. Gut imbalances don’t always show up as obvious digestive complaints. Some people notice other symptoms first. The GI-MAP is one tool practitioners use to explore gut-related factors for people experiencing:

• Chronic bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, or irregular bowel habits
• Persistent fatigue or low energy that doesn’t improve with rest
• Brain fog, mood changes, anxiety, or depression
• Skin conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis
• Hormonal imbalances, worsening PMS, or irregular cycles
• Autoimmune conditions or a history of immune dysfunction
• A history of frequent antibiotic use, international travel, or recurrent infections
• Food sensitivities that seem to be expanding over time

The gut is connected to many systems in the body, including immune, hormonal, neurological, and metabolic systems. When it’s out of balance, the effects can show up in various ways.

How Does the At-Home Collection Process Work?

One of the practical things I appreciate about the GI-MAP is how simple the collection process is. After you receive your test kit in the mail, you collect a small stool sample at home using the supplies provided. Everything you need for the collection is included, along with clear instructions. You then ship the sample to the lab, which processes it using qPCR technology and generates a detailed report.

No clinic visit or lab appointment is required. It’s a straightforward home collection that produces a detailed report from a CLIA-certified lab.

Ordering the GI-MAP in the US and Canada

Access to this type of functional testing often depends on where you live or whether someone has a functional medicine practitioner nearby. The GI-MAP test kit is available to people across both the United States and Canada. Whether you’re in Vancouver or Virginia, Toronto or Texas, you can order a kit, collect your sample at home, and review the results with a qualified practitioner.

The Bottom Line

The GI-MAP stool test is a detailed functional testing option for people interested in a closer look at their gut environment. For those with unresolved symptoms who feel they’ve exhausted conventional options, it’s one additional diagnostic tool to consider alongside guidance from a qualified practitioner. Ordering details for customers in the US and Canada can be found at gimaptest.com.

About the Author

Madison Ordway, FDN-P, is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner who has spent years working with clients across North America on their health goals. She specializes in gut health, hormone balance, and mineral optimization, and uses GI-MAP testing as part of her work with clients. Madison is focused on making functional testing more accessible.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or physician before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or health protocol. The GI-MAP test is a clinical tool and results should be interpreted in the context of your full health history by a qualified practitioner. Individual results may vary. Madison Ordway is not affiliated with Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory.