GI-MAP vs GI-360 STOOL TESTING

Let's compare the two most common comprehensive stool tests available in Ontario

When evaluating gut health, two commonly discussed stool testing options are the GI‑MAP® (by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratories) and GI‑360™ (by Doctor’s Data). Though both deploy advanced lab techniques, they differ significantly in methodology, clinical scope, and the actionable insights they deliver. Here's a comprehensive comparison to help practitioners and clients decide which test suits their needs best.

Testing Methodology & Scope

GI‑MAP

• Based entirely on quantitative PCR (qPCR), analyzing DNA from bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, and H. pylori virulence markers, plus a limited set of stool chemistry markers (e.g. elastase‑1, steatocrit, IgA)

• Provides a single-sample profile; no multi‑day collection option. No need to avoid certian therapies/probiotics in advance.

GI‑360

• Combines multiplex PCR, microscopy/culture, and biochemical assays, offering a multi-method profile of pathogens, parasites, bacteria, yeasts, plus stool chemistries—including SCFA (acetate, butyrate, propionate, valerate), calprotectin, lysozyme, mucus, fat stain, lactoferrin, sIgA, occult blood, etc.

• Available in tiers:

  • Profile (“gold”): PCR + culture + parasi­tology + stool chemistries.

  • Essentials: PCR + parasitology.

  • Microbiome: PCR only—closest to GI‑MAP in method, but misses stool chemistries and cultures

What You Get: Key Markers & Clinical Value

GI‑MAP gives:

• Comprehensive pathogen screening (incl. H. pylori virulence and resistance genes), bacterial and fungal DNA abundance.

• Digestive and immune markers: Elastase‑1, steatocrit, Secretory IgA, anti‑gliadin IgA for gluten sensitivity

GI‑360 adds:

• Detailed stool chemistries: SCFA (short‑chain fatty acids), calprotectin, mucus, lysozyme, fat, carbohydrate digestion markers, pH, fibres, and occult blood—providing functional digestion and inflammation insights

• Culture-based identification and antibiotic sensitivity: for bacteria and yeasts, which GI‑MAP lacks.

• Dysbiosis Index: compares your microbiome to reference norms to estimate deviation from what is considered a healthy standard.

Comparison Summary of GI-MAP vs GI-360

Feature	GI‑MAP	GI‑360
PCR for bacteria/parasites/fungi/viruses	✅	✅
H. pylori virulence & resistance genes	✅	✅
Stool chemistries (SCFAs, calprotectin, mucus, etc.)	Limited	✅
Culture & sensitivity testing	❌	✅
Multi-day collection option	❌	✅
Dysbiosis Index/diversity metrics	Limited	✅
SIBO diagnosis	❌	❌

Pros & Cons

Pros of GI‑MAP

• Highly sensitive detection of low‑abundance organisms via qPCR

• Quick turnaround, widely used by naturopathic practitioners.

• Identifies pathogens, including H. pylori virulence factors.

• Single-day sample, not requiring much avoidance or preparation.

  
  

Cons of GI‑MAP

• Prone to false positives due to low specificity (one study found ~80% sensitivity but only ~26% specificity)

• Variability in biomarkers from split‑stool samples—even from the same specimen—raises concerns about reproducibility (ie would multiple samples show the same information)

• Costly (~ 600 CAD)

• Limited stool chemistry metrics and no culture data.

Pros of GI‑360

• Comprehensive coverage: includes PCR, culture, microscopy, stool chemistries, SCFA panels and Dysbiosis Index.

• Multi-day collection enhances reliability, especially for parasitology.

• Culture results include sensitivity testing, valuable for choosing antimicrobials or herbs.

• Generally considered more clinically robust and academically accepted in functional medicine settings

Cons of GI‑360

• Higher cost (can reach ~$650-700 CAD) depending on tier

• Culture-based sections can lead to false negatives due to collection methods, sample collection & transportation

• Requires multi-day sample collection, more prep in terms of treatments and supplements to avoid, and more complex shipping requirements

How to Order a GI-MAP or GI-360 Through Our Clinic

If you're based in Ontario, here’s how to access GI‑MAP or GI‑360 through our naturopathic clinic in :

1. Book a consultation: We evaluate your symptoms—digestive distress, inflammation, IBS or SIBO-like issues—and determine the most suitable test.

2. We place the order: We handle the clinician authorization, arrange the lab kit, and ensure proper preparation for collection.

3. Test kit & sample collection:

   • GI‑MAP: single‐sample home collection stool kit, shipped directly back to the lab

   • GI‑360: 1–3 day home collection, depending on tier, shipped directly back to the lab (Monday through Thursday), same day pick up

4. Turnaround: GI‑360 + GI‑MAP are usually reported within ~14 days.

5. Detailed review: We interpret results with you, mapping the root cause to your symptoms with appropriate protocols—diet, targeted herbs/supplements, motility support, and lifestyle adjustments.

6. Follow-up & retesting: If needed (and only when needed), we repeat the test (or portions of it) after treatment to monitor progress and adjust strategies.

GI-MAP or GI-360: When to Use Each

When GI‑MAP might suffice:

• You want rapid pathogen screening (e.g., H. pylori, parasites, yeast) using PCR only.

• You don’t need full SCFA, inflammation, or culture data.

• You require a single-sample test due to convenience or cost constraints.

When GI‑360 is preferable:

• You need comprehensive insight into digestion, inflammation, functional biomarkers, and ecosystem dysbiosis.

• You want culture-based sensitivity results to guide treatment selection.

• You’re looking for stool chemistry context (SCFA, calprotectin, lysozyme, etc.).

Both GI‑MAP and GI‑360™ stool tests offer valuable insights into gut ecosystems, yet serve different clinical purposes:

• GI‑MAP is streamlined, PCR-based, and best suited for focused pathogen screening when speed and simplicity matter.

• GI‑360 delivers a fuller gut health picture—including functional biomarkers, SCFA profiles, dysbiosis scoring, and culture-based pathogen sensitivity data—ideal for complex or persistent digestive conditions.

  
  

We consider the GI‑360 Profile the most comprehensive option for evaluating root causes of gut dysfunction. However, GI‑MAP can be a helpful, quicker tool in specific cases.

Getting Started at Our Toronto Naturopathic Clinic

Looking to order comprehensive stool testing?

• Book an appointment at our Toronto Naturopathic Clinic here.

• Start with a thorough review or you concerns, health history and current symptoms to determine which form of testing is right for you. Testing is ordered in the initial visit (when necessary).

• Once results are reported, get a customized natural treatment plan that addresses the root causes to your stool test findings.

Call: (647) 351-7282

Practice: Dr. Courtney Holmberg, ND – Toronto Naturopathic Doctor

www.courtneyholmbernd.ca