The GI Map test takes 1 sample and analyzes DNA/DNA fragments, so it allows for a greater ability to detect more species. The process is fully automated, so it decreases the chance of human error, while providing a more accurate representation of what’s in the sample at collection. It also provides a quantitative measure to the positive or negative result, allowing for a more helpful guide towards making decisions with recommendations. It gives prescriptive antibiotic resistant genes for clients who have a positive H Pylori result, which can be helpful if he/she is looking to go the route with treatment through his/her doctor.
Traditional testing takes 2 to 3 samples that are cultured with application of a chemical reagent to see the organisms under the microscope. This can result in up to 50% of species not being detected due to taking a sample of a sample, limiting to only living species. It can’t measure dead fragments, therefore it may not be a good representation of the sample at collection because some may die in transit and die upon growing in culture. It also just identifies the presence of or not of species, decreasing the ability to make informed decisions about the need to address. Using a chemical reagent could lead to variations in the results, hence, needing more than 1 collection.