The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) is a laboratory tool that uses advanced DNA-based stool analysis to evaluate the gastrointestinal microbiome. It detects and quantifies various bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, along with markers of inflammation and digestive function. Results typically require 7 to 10 business days once the sample is successfully logged into the Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory system. This timeframe begins after the physical sample has been received, not immediately after collection or shipping.
Preparing and Shipping the Sample
The timeline for results starts with the patient’s careful preparation and shipping of the stool sample. Following the kit instructions is important, which includes collecting the specimen and transferring it into the designated vial, ensuring it is filled to the marked line and contains the pink preservation liquid. Insufficient sample quantity or improper labeling (name, date of birth, collection date) are common reasons for rejection, which immediately resets the entire process. The sample must typically be received by the lab within about six days of collection. To ensure viability, shipping is generally done via a prepaid overnight or two-day service, often restricted to weekdays (Monday through Thursday) to avoid weekend transit delays.
The Standard Laboratory Processing Timeline
Once the sample arrives at Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, the standard turnaround time for processing the GI-MAP is approximately 7 to 10 business days. The GI-MAP relies on quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) technology, which targets the specific DNA of organisms in the stool sample. The qPCR process involves multiple cycles of DNA amplification to accurately detect and quantify over 40 different targets, including pathogens, opportunistic bacteria, and commensal flora. Since the GI-MAP provides quantitative results, measuring the exact amount of each organism, the laboratory requires a fixed amount of time to perform these complex molecular assays and ensure quality control. This methodology, while significantly faster than older culture-based methods, still requires time for extraction, amplification, final data analysis, and concurrent running of digestive and inflammation markers like Calprotectin and Secretory IgA.
Common Reasons for Timeline Delays
Several factors can extend the standard 7 to 10 business day processing timeline. Logistical issues affecting the shipping carrier (severe weather, holidays) or high-volume periods can delay the sample’s arrival or increase the lab’s queue. A more significant delay occurs if the submitted sample is deemed unacceptable for analysis. Reasons for rejection include improper collection (not reaching the fill line or being unlabeled) or compromised integrity during shipping. If rejected, the patient must collect and resubmit a new sample, completely resetting the entire timeline, potentially adding two weeks or more.
Receiving and Interpreting the Results
The final phase begins when the laboratory completes its analysis and generates the comprehensive report. This report is delivered electronically directly to the ordering healthcare practitioner, not the patient. The patient does not receive the raw data, as the complexity of the report requires professional interpretation to be clinically useful. The total time until the patient receives actionable information depends on the practitioner’s schedule for a follow-up consultation, which is necessary to review the quantified results for pathogens, microbial imbalances, and functional markers. The practitioner must translate the scientific data into a personalized treatment protocol, which adds to the overall user experience timeline beyond the lab’s processing time.