GI-MAP vs. Standard Stool Test: What’s the Difference?

Why You May Need More Than a Standard Test

If you’ve had digestive problems and gone to your doctor, you may have been offered a stool test. These are designed to detect serious infections like salmonella, parasites, or blood in the stool. While important, they don’t tell the whole story.

What Standard Stool Tests Check

• Active infections (bacterial, parasitic)

• Blood in stool

• Occasionally inflammation markers

That’s where they usually stop.

What the GI-MAP Checks

• DNA-based testing for dozens of bacteria, viruses, and parasites (even at low levels)

• Digestive enzymes and absorption markers

• Inflammation levels

• Immune response in the gut

• Commensal bacteria balance (the good guys!)

Why Functional Nutritionists Use It

Because symptoms like bloating, fatigue, brain fog, or skin flare-ups don’t always show up on a basic test. Functional nutrition focuses on the root cause, and the GI-MAP provides the roadmap.

Bottom Line

Standard stool tests are useful — but they’re not enough if you want the full picture. The GI-MAP offers deeper insights that can guide nutrition and lifestyle changes for lasting results.

👉 Ready to stop guessing and start testing? Book your GI-MAP consultation today