The GI – Advanced Profile (US BioTek)
StoolPerformed by: US BioTek
The GI – Advanced Profile is the most comprehensive stool test by US BioTek, building upon the Basic and Standard GI Microbiome profiles to offer 98 markers from 15 different testing categories.
The profile combines different testing methodologies to offer highly sensitive results with industry-leading accuracy and reproducibility:
PCR
US BioTek uses real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests to qualitatively detect nucleic acid from various parasites, bacteria, and viruses. The RT-PCR platform is FDA-authorized and requires specialized equipment and personnel to identify DNA within cells. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a relatively simple and widely used molecular biology technique to amplify and detect DNA and RNA sequences. The use of PCR testing allows US BioTek to more precisely identify even the smallest amounts of markers within the stool providing accurate, reliable, and reproducible results.
ELISA
An established immunological technique, ELISA is widely used to detect the presence of specific antibodies or antigens in a patient’s blood. It is a basic testing platform in a fully-automated protocol utilizing advanced robotics and barcoding to identify each specimen throughout the testing procedure. Antigen-specific antibodies, bound to the antigen, are detected through spectrophotometric analysis.
Macroscopy
Stool macroscopy is a method of visually examining stool samples to detect abnormalities such as blood, mucus, parasites, and other foreign materials. The stool is first inspected for color, consistency, and any unusual features.
Culture
Stool culture is a laboratory test that identifies bacteria in stool specimens. A small amount of stool is placed on a growth medium and incubated at a warm temperature. If bacteria are present, they will grow and form colonies. The colonies can then be identified by their appearance and by biochemical tests.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
Acetate is the most abundant SCFA in the colon and makes up more than half of the total SCFA detected in feces. These beneficial SCFA have anti-inflammatory properties, provide energy to nourish the colonic epithelial cells and intestinal microbiota,
Learn moreAkkermansia muciniphila may represent 3–5% of the microbial composition in the healthy human intestinal tract, and have a crucial role in the regulation of the gut barrier and other homeostatic and metabolic functions.
Learn moreAmpicillin, a broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic, is part of the penicillin class and is commonly used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which is crucial for bact
Learn moreAugmentin, a widely used antibiotic, is a combination of two active ingredients: amoxicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic, and clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This combination is designed to enhance the effectiveness of amoxicillin by o
Learn moreSpecies in the genus Bacteroides carry out broad metabolic functions, including degradation of complex plant polysaccharides, proteolytic activities, de-conjugation of bile acids, mucosal barrier integrity, short chain fatty acid production, fatty ac
Learn moreThe Bacteroidetes Phylum marker refers to a group of bacteria commonly found in the human gut, playing a crucial role in the digestive process. This phylum includes various species that are essential for breaking down complex molecules like carbohydr
Learn moreBifidobacterium adolescentis is a beneficial bacterium commonly found in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract, particularly in the intestines. The presence and quantity of Bifidobacterium adolescentis are significant because it plays a crucial role
Learn moreBifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium bifidum is a significant bacterium to evaluate gut health. This specific bacterium is a member of the Bifidobacterium genus, known for its beneficial effects on the digestive system. It naturally inhabits the intestines and plays a cr
Learn moreBifidobacterium longum is a specific species of microscopic non-pathogenic bacteria found naturally in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans as well as in most other animals.
Learn moreA common component of the microbiota of the human gastrointestinal tract and in particular are amongst the first bacterial colonizers of the intestine.
Learn moreBlastocystis hominis is found throughout the world in both people with and without symptoms. It is a non-pathogenic parasite. Non-pathogenic parasites are present in the gastrointestinal tract and generally are self-limiting and do not cause illness.
Learn moreButyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced in the colon by the bacterial fermentation of undigested carbohydrates, primarily dietary fiber. It serves as a primary energy source for colonocytes (cells of the colon) and has several important
Learn moreCalprotectin is a calcium-binding protein with antimicrobial properties. It accounts for 60% of neutrophil cytosolic content and is also found in monocytes and macrophages. Calprotectin is released from the intestinal mucosa into the stool
Learn moreThe Candida albicans marker in a gastrointestinal (GI) panel is a crucial indicator of the presence and concentration of Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus, in the gut microbiome. Candida albicans is a common commensal organism in the human body,
Learn moreCitrobacter spp., a gram-negative bacterium and member of the Enterobacteriaceae family, is considered dysbiotic at 3+ or greater. Citrobacter freundii complex (including C. freundii, C. braakii, C. gullenii, C. murliniae, rodentium, C. wermanii,
Learn moreClostridium species, when identified in a gastrointestinal (GI) test, can be of significant clinical interest due to their diverse roles in human health and disease. Members of the Clostridium genus are a part of the normal gut flora in humans and an
Learn moreCoptis, often referred to in the context of traditional Chinese medicine, is a genus of plants known for their potent medicinal properties, particularly their natural inhibitory effects against various pathogens and health conditions. The most well-k
Learn moreEnterobacter is a genus of common Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria, commonly found in the environment as well as the gastrointestinal tract. There are many species, however, not all species are known to cause human disease.
Learn moreEnterobacter ludwigii is a notable species within the Enterobacter genus, a part of the larger family of Enterobacteriaceae. This species, like others in its genus, is a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, typically found in various env
Learn moreEnterococcus faecalis
Enterococcus faecalis, a key indicator often identified in gut health assessments like the comprehensive GI tests, plays a significant role in understanding the complex ecosystem of the human gastrointestinal tract. As a bacterium that is naturally p
Learn moreGram-positive species in the Firmicutes phylum. High levels may result from reduced stomach acid, PPI use, compromised digestive function, SIBO or constipation. High natural resistance to some antibiotics, which may result in overgrowth.
Learn moreEnterococcus species, when detected in a gastrointestinal (GI) test, can provide important insights into the health and balance of the gut microbiome. These bacteria are part of the normal intestinal flora in humans and animals and typically coexist
Learn moreEnterococcus species, commonly detected in gastrointestinal (GI) tests, represent a significant group of bacteria naturally inhabiting the human gut. These species, particularly Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, are noteworthy for their
Learn moreThe Euryarchaeota phylum, a key player in the realm of gut microbiome analysis, stands out in gut health panels for its unique and diverse archaeal species. This phylum, part of the broader Archaea domain, includes various organisms that play crucial
Learn moreFaecalibacterium prausnitzii is one of the most important bacteria in the human gut flora and makes up to 5-10% of the total number of bacteria detected in stool samples from healthy humans. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii has a crucial role in maintain
Learn moreThe marker "Firmicutes Phylum" refers to a significant group of bacteria commonly found in the human gut. Firmicutes are one of the most abundant types of bacteria in the human digestive tract, playing a crucial role in the body's abili
Learn moreThe "Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes Ratio" is an important marker that provides insights into the composition of gut microbiota. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are two major groups of bacteria commonly found in the human gut. Each plays a critical
Learn moreThe marker Fusobacterium species refers to a group of bacteria that are part of the normal flora in the human gut but can also act as pathogens under certain conditions. Fusobacterium species are anaerobic bacteria, meaning they thrive in environment
Learn moreThe Geotrichum species marker on a gastrointestinal (GI) panel is indicative of the presence and relative abundance of Geotrichum, a genus of fungi, in the gut microbiome. Geotrichum species are commonly found in soil, water, air, and various food pr
Learn moreGolden seal, or Hydrastis canadensis, is a North American herb known for its natural inhibitory properties, mainly due to alkaloids like berberine and hydrastine. It's traditionally used for its antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and
Learn moreKlebsiella spp. are gram-negative bacilli belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family and closely related to the genera Enterobacter and Serratia. Klebsiella spp. are considered dysbiotic in the amount of 3 - 4 +. Klebsiella spp. are widely distribute
Learn moreKlebsiella are non-motile, Gramnegative rods that belong to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Klebsiella bacteria are considered commensal but act as opportunistic bacteria in the GI tract. Klebsiellais a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.
Learn moreLactobacillus delbrueckii is a member of the Lactobacillus genus, known for its beneficial role in the gut microbiome. It is commonly found in fermented dairy products like yogurt and plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced gut environment. On
Learn moreLactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus Plantarum have been shown to: - Alleviate the symptoms of IBS - Help treat Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. - Accelerate the healing of intestines after illness. - Mitigate allergic reactions to foods such as soy flour
Learn moreLactobacillus rhamnosus was first isolated in 1983 and is known to have a strong avidity for human intestinal cells and can survive acid and bile environments. It is considered one of the most studied probiotics, with research showing that it co
Learn moreLactobacillus salivarius
Lactobacillus salivarius is a type of probiotic bacteria that plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Lactobacillus salivarius is used to assess the levels of this beneficial bacterium in the digestive system. L
Learn moreLactobacillus species is a type of bacteria. There are lots of different species of lactobacillus. Lactobacillus bacteria are commonly found in the human gut, mouth and vagina. They are considered generally as “good bacteria”
Learn moreMethanobrevibacter smithii, a prominent archaeon (=a microorganism) in the human gut microbiome, is frequently identified in comprehensive gut health tests and plays a pivotal role in the intricate ecosystem of our digestive system. This microorganis
Learn moreMucous
The GI – Advanced Profile by US BioTek features a comprehensive marker known as "Mucuous," which plays a pivotal role in assessing gastrointestinal health. This marker is crucial for understanding the mucosal integrity within the GI t
Learn moreOccult Blood
Oxalobacter formigenes is a bacterium that colonizes the colon of a substantial proportion of the normal population and metabolizes dietary and endogenous oxalate and hence reducing the incidence of kidney stones.
Learn morePancreatic elastase is an enzyme that digests protein. It’s only produced by the pancreas and when it is seen in the stool, it’s an excellent biomarker of how well the pancreas is performing.
Learn morePropionate is among the most common short-chain fatty acids produced in the human gut in response to indigestible carbohydrates (fiber) in the diet.
Learn moreProteobacteria are a diverse phylum, comprised with several subclasses: Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Epsilonproteobacteria, and Zetaproteobacteria. The Proteobacteria are commonly occurring in
Learn moreOpportunistic Bacteria associated with Autoimmunity. Gram-negative bacteria in the Proteobacteria phylum. High levels may indicate increased intestinal inflammatory activity; May contribute to loose stools or diarrhea; Pets or wild animals c
Learn moreGram-negative bacteria in the Proteobacteria phylum. High levels may indicate increased intestinal inflammatory activity; May contribute to loose stools or diarrhea; Pets or wild animals can be a source.
Learn more- Gram-negative bacteria in the Proteobacteria phylum. - Pseudomonas aeruginosa are normal flora in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which on occasion cause GI tract infection.
Learn moreFecal Secretory IgA is a marker of gut secretory immunity and barrier function. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an antibody playing a critical role in mucosal immunity and is produced in greater quantities than all other types of antibody combined. I
Learn moreStaphylococcus species, commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract, are a diverse group of bacteria. Some species are harmless and part of the normal gut flora, while others, like Staphylococcus aureus, can be pathogenic. The presence of Staphyloco
Learn moreSteatocrit is a diagnostic test specifically designed to measure the fat content in feces, offering a non-invasive method to evaluate fat malabsorption. This condition, where fats are not properly absorbed by the intestines, can lead to various gastr
Learn moreStool Colour
Stool Form
Streptococcus salivarius
Higher abundance of S. salivarius and S. thermophilus (Firmicutes phylum) have been associated with a moderate to severe disease course in newly diagnosed ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. These findings are in accordance with a study that showed
Learn moreStreptococcus is a member of Gram-positive lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB) that belonged to Firmicutes phylum. Many strains of Streptococcus are non-pathogenic and occur as commensal flora on the skin, the oral cavity, n
Learn moreStrongyloides spp refers to a genus of roundworms responsible for strongyloidiasis, a parasitic infection that can range from asymptomatic to severe, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This parasite primarily infects humans through skin c
Learn moreValerate is a Short Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA). It is derived from bacterial fermentation of protein in the distal colon. SCFAs are the end product of the bacterial fermentation process of dietary fiber by beneficial flora in the gut and play an
Learn moreThe marker "Verrucomicrobia Phylum" refers to a group of bacteria belonging to the phylum Verrucomicrobia, which is often evaluated during stool tests to understand gut health. Verrucomicrobia are a less common but interesting group of bact
Learn moreZonulin
Zonulin is a protein that opens intercellular tight junctions in the gut lining (the connections between epithelial cells that make up the gastrointestinal lining). Zonulin increases intestinal permeability in the jejunum and ileum and is considered
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