GI-MAP Handout

Your gut can tell an incredible story—but understanding specialty gut testing can feel overwhelming.

The GI-MAP Handout is a beautifully designed, easy-to-understand educational guide to the GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus), a specialty stool test that measures selected microbial DNA targets and gastrointestinal markers.

Created to take some of the confusion out of specialty stool testing, this 10-page guide walks you through what GI-MAP is, what it measures, how testing works, and how to better understand the information you may see on a GI-MAP report—all in approachable, everyday language.

Inside you'll learn about:

• What GI-MAP is and what makes this specialty stool panel different

• When specialty stool testing may be discussed—and important questions to ask before testing

• Selected microbial measurements, including commensal and opportunistic bacteria

• Potential pathogens, including selected bacteria, parasites, and viruses

• Yeast and fungal findings, including Candida species

• Digestive function markers such as pancreatic elastase and steatocrit

• Inflammation and immune-related markers such as calprotectin and secretory IgA

• How at-home sample collection and return typically work

• How to read common parts of a GI-MAP report, including results, laboratory reference ranges, and flagged findings

• A look inside a sample GI-MAP report with explanations of several report sections

• What you may discuss during a follow-up appointment after your results are available

• Questions to take with you when reviewing your results with a qualified healthcare professional

Throughout the guide, you'll also find important reminders about the limitations of specialty testing and why laboratory findings should be interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other clinical information.

Whether you're considering GI-MAP testing, preparing to complete a test, already have results in hand, or simply want to better understand this type of specialty gut-health assessment, this guide gives you a practical place to start.

10-page digital PDF | Instant download

Please note: This resource is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide individualized medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or recommendations for laboratory testing. GI-MAP is a commercial specialty stool test and is not routine first-line testing for digestive symptoms. The clinical significance and usefulness of many findings remain uncertain. Results should be reviewed in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and established clinical guidance with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Purchasing this resource does not establish a nurse-patient or other healthcare professional relationship.

Grace & Roots Wellness is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory.

Created by Stacey Cheatwood, RN, BSN

Grace & Roots Wellness

Rooted in Faith. Growing in Wellness.