Quick Facts
- Sample: Stool
- Fasting: No
- Turnaround Time: 8 –10 business days once the lab receives the specimen. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive microbiome snapshot — measures over 45 bacterial markers to reveal your gut's diversity and balance
- Dysbiosis Index included — compares your profile to healthy populations for clear gut health status
- Convenient at-home collection — no office visit, no fasting, prepaid shipping included
- Actionable insights — guides personalized nutrition, probiotic, and lifestyle strategies to optimize digestive wellness
- Fast results — Results delivered in 8 –10 days to support timely health decisions
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing chronic digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, irregular bowel habits, or abdominal discomfort
- Anyone seeking to optimize gut health and prevent future GI or immune-related issues
- People preparing to start targeted probiotic, prebiotic, or antimicrobial therapy under provider guidance
- Those monitoring known gut imbalances, IBS, IBD, or other chronic gastrointestinal conditions
- Health-conscious individuals pursuing preventive wellness and personalized nutrition strategies
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order and receive your kit — your GI360™ test arrives with everything needed for easy at-home stool collection.
- Collect your sample — follow simple instructions to gather your specimen, seal, and label it securely.
- Mail and get results — use the prepaid shipping pouch to send your sample; receive your detailed report in 8 –10 days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? It analyzes over 45 bacterial markers, including beneficial and pathogenic species, to assess gut diversity, balance, and dysbiosis.
Do I need to fast before collecting my sample? No fasting is required. Avoid antibiotics for 3 days, probiotics for 2 weeks, and certain GI medications for 2 days prior.
How accurate is the GI360™ test? Stool PCR methods like those used in GI360™ demonstrate sensitivities above 90% and specificities above 95% (CDC 2023).
Can children use this test? The test is validated for adults. Consult your healthcare provider before using it for pediatric cases (Cleveland Clinic 2023).
What if my results show dysbiosis? Abnormal findings suggest imbalance and warrant follow-up with your provider for personalized dietary, probiotic, or therapeutic interventions.
How is this different from other gut tests? GI360™ Microbiome focuses solely on bacterial composition and balance. For parasites, viruses, or digestive function markers, consider the GI360™ Comprehensive Stool Profile.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The GI360™ Microbiome Stool Test assesses the diversity, abundance, and balance of gut bacteria using advanced molecular techniques including multiplex PCR and MALDI-TOF. Your gut contains trillions of microorganisms that influence digestion, immune function, metabolism, and overall wellness. By identifying bacterial imbalances—known as dysbiosis—this test provides actionable insights to guide targeted interventions such as dietary adjustments, probiotic support, and lifestyle modifications. The goal is to help you better understand your microbiome and support optimal digestive and systemic health (Cleveland Clinic 2023).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for individuals with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort. It's also beneficial for those monitoring ongoing gut conditions like IBS or IBD, or preparing to start targeted probiotic or antimicrobial therapy. Even symptom-free individuals seeking preventive health insights and personalized wellness strategies can benefit from understanding their gut microbiome composition. Approximately 30% of adults with chronic GI symptoms have clinically significant microbiome alterations detectable by stool analysis (Mayo Clinic 2024, AGA 2022).
When should I order a GI360™ Microbiome Stool Test?
Consider ordering this test when experiencing ongoing digestive problems that haven't been explained by standard testing. It's also appropriate before starting targeted gut-health interventions to establish a baseline, or for routine wellness assessment if you're proactively managing your health. Order this test if you've completed antibiotic therapy and want to assess microbiome recovery, or if you're exploring dietary changes and want data-driven guidance. Early identification and treatment of gut dysbiosis have been associated with improved outcomes in IBS and IBD patients, reducing flare rates and healthcare costs by over 25% (AGA 2022, Mayo Clinic 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Your GI360™ report includes a Dysbiosis Index (DI) and diversity scores that summarize your gut microbial balance. The report compares your bacterial profile to a healthy reference population, highlighting any imbalances or pathogenic organisms detected. Results are categorized to help you and your provider understand your gut health status and determine appropriate next steps.
Within reference range
- What it means: Balanced microbiome with healthy diversity
- Typical action: Maintain current diet and lifestyle habits
Mildly elevated
- What it means: Minor imbalance; potential for improvement
- Typical action: Consider dietary adjustments, prebiotics, and stress management
Moderately elevated
- What it means: Significant dysbiosis requiring intervention
- Typical action: Work with a provider on targeted probiotics, antimicrobials, or diet changes
Highly elevated
- What it means: Severe imbalance or pathogen presence
- Typical action: Consult your provider immediately for a comprehensive treatment plan
About 60–70 million Americans are affected by digestive diseases annually, making gut health assessment increasingly important for preventive care (NIH 2022).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is necessary for this test. To ensure accurate results, avoid antibiotics or antifungal medications for at least 3 days before sample collection, discontinue probiotics for 2 weeks, and pause certain GI medications (such as laxatives or anti-diarrheals) for 2 days unless otherwise instructed by your provider. Collect your stool sample using the provided kit following the simple instructions included. Secure and label the tube, place it in the prepaid shipping pouch, and mail to the lab as soon as possible for optimal specimen quality (Doctor's Data 2024).
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your health status, symptoms, and treatment goals. The table below provides general guidance, but your healthcare provider may recommend a different schedule based on your individual needs.
- Baseline wellness assessment: Every 12–24 months for ongoing health monitoring
- Active GI symptoms or dysbiosis treatment: Every 6–12 months to track progress and adjust interventions
- Post-antibiotic therapy recovery: 6–8 weeks after treatment completion to assess microbiome restoration
- Monitoring chronic conditions (IBS, IBD): Every 6–12 months or as clinically indicated by your provider
Why early detection matters
Early identification of gut dysbiosis allows for timely, targeted interventions that may prevent progression to more serious conditions. Gut microbiome imbalances have been linked to digestive disorders, immune dysfunction, metabolic issues, and even mood disturbances. Detecting and addressing these imbalances early can reduce symptom severity, improve treatment outcomes, and lower long-term healthcare costs. Research shows that patients who identify and treat dysbiosis early experience better symptom control and fewer disease flares compared to those who delay intervention (AGA 2022, Cleveland Clinic 2023).
Related tests you may consider
GI360™ Profile, Stool - Doctor's Data Test Kit — includes bacterial analysis plus parasites, viruses, and digestive function markers for complete GI evaluation.
Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine Breath Test -3 Hours-Genova Test Kit — detects small intestinal bacterial overgrowth if you have bloating, gas, or altered bowel habits.
100 Food Sensitivity Panel - ALCAT Test Kit — identifies potential dietary triggers contributing to gut inflammation or symptoms.
