# Any legitimate scientific reviews of the GI Microbial Assay Plus test?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-legitimate-scientific-reviews-of-the-gi-microbial-assay-plus-test/950498>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [September 11, 2021, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-legitimate-scientific-reviews-of-the-gi-microbial-assay-plus-test/950498 "2021-09-11T01:24:54Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![jharvey963](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/54ee81/32.png) [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\
**Post date:** [September 11, 2021, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-legitimate-scientific-reviews-of-the-gi-microbial-assay-plus-test/950498/1 "2021-09-11T01:24:54Z")

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My spouse was recommended to take the GI Microbial Assay Plus stool test by a naturopath. (Yes, I know. Don’t ask.)

Are there any legitimate scientific reviews (or at least unbiased reviews) of this test?

In order to keep this in GQ, I’m not asking for your opinion or experience with this test. I’m asking for links to people / sites who have studied and reviewed this test.

Thanks,  
J.

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**Author:** ![DMC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dmc/32/18049_2.png) [@DMC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMC)\
**Post date:** [September 11, 2021, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-legitimate-scientific-reviews-of-the-gi-microbial-assay-plus-test/950498/2 "2021-09-11T01:46:33Z")

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This doesn’t appear to speak highly of the results.

> **[Performance of a new molecular assay for the detection of gastrointestinal...](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7660239/)**
>
> Conventional diagnostic laboratory algorithms for determining the cause of infectious gastroenteritis include culture, biochemical identification and immunoassays. In addition, multiplex PCR-based testing has advanced into the gastroenterology...

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**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\
**Post date:** [September 11, 2021, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-legitimate-scientific-reviews-of-the-gi-microbial-assay-plus-test/950498/3 "2021-09-11T02:13:13Z")

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In addition to that highly uncomplimentary analysis of GI-MAP’s performance posted by DMC, a check of the company’s website raises some red flags.

Apparently, huge numbers of people (including infants and children) are in need of this kind of testing. Quoting the website, that includes adults with:

- Autoimmune diseases
- IBS/IBD
- Digestive complaints, diarrhea or constipation
- Brain fog
- Skin problems, like acne and psoriasis
- Mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
- Diabetes and weight loss issues

Lots of potential customers there. Oh, and if you want insight into your child’s’ attention deficit disorder or autism, just check the ol’ microbiome.

There’s been a lot of hype about gut microbiome influencing health, much of it not backed by sound science. More on the “Wild West” of testing here:

> **[Home](https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/innovation/microbiome-startups-promise-improve-your-gut-health-science-solid)**
>
> Healthcare business news, analysis, insight, and strategy for hospital and health system executive leaders.

Caution is advised in selecting a laboratory that does this sort of testing, along with questioning whether a practitioner who touts it has any relationship with the lab.

I can well imagine all the false trails and unnecessary treatments that would follow misidentification of gut pathogens, as well as the likelihood of underqualified practitioners chasing red herrings. (“Oo, there’s Candida in your stool sample! We must treat, and radically revise your diet.” (it’s normal to have Candida in your gastrointestinal tract. “Overgrowth” is commonly overdiagnosed.)

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**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\
**Post date:** [September 11, 2021, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-legitimate-scientific-reviews-of-the-gi-microbial-assay-plus-test/950498/4 "2021-09-11T02:25:50Z")

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> [@Jackmannii](#):
>
> - IBS/IBD
> - Digestive complaints, diarrhea or constipation
> - Brain fog

Any flyers on why these three go together?