GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile - 1 day

Test Details

Lab Company: Genova Diagnostics 
Sample Type: Stool 
Collection Location: At Home

The GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile measures a variety of biomarkers in a patient’s stool to analyze digestive function, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal microbiome.    

🔑 Key Details 📦 Shipping
⏰ Preparation & Timing 📊 Results
🧪 Collection Instructions 📚 More Resources
💳 Requisition & Payment
💬 Questions?

Key Details 

  • Collection can be done at any time during the day.
  • Wait at least 4 weeks from your last colonoscopy or barium enema.
  • Certain medications and supplements should be avoided prior to the test (see below for details).
  • Avoid collecting samples when you are menstruating or have actively bleeding hemorrhoids.
  • Samples must be shipped within 24 hours of the final collection. 
  • Rupa Health recommends shipping Monday - Thursday only to avoid shipment delays.

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Preparation & Timing

  • Collection can be done at any time during the day.
  • Wait at least 4 weeks from your last colonoscopy or barium enema.
  • If you have the H. pylori add-on test, avoid these medications for 2 weeks prior to sample collection. 
    • Proton pump inhibitors
    • Bismuth
  • Avoid the following medications for 2-4 weeks prior to sample collection. 
    • Antibiotics
    • Antiparasitics
    • Antifungals
    • Probiotic supplements
  • Avoid the following medications for 2 days prior to sample collection. 
    • Aspirin and other NSAIDs (like ibuprofen)
    • Rectal suppositories
    • Enemas
    • Activated charcoal
    • Bismuth
    • Betaine HCL
    • Digestive enzymes
    • Antacids
    • Laxative
    • Mineral oil
    • Castor oil
    • Bentonite clay
  • Avoid collecting samples during menstruation.
  • Avoid collecting samples when you have actively bleeding hemorrhoids.

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Collection Instructions

  1. Write the following information on each provided label.
    1. Patient's date of birth
    2. Date of collection
  2. Attach one label to each sample tube.
  3. Urinate prior to collection.
  4. Put on the glove.
  5. Collect your stool sample using the included collection container.
    1. DO NOT contaminate the sample with urine or water from the toilet.
    2. Tip: It may help to put plastic wrap over the toilet seat, then place the collection container on the plastic wrap.
  6. Remove the cap from the GREEN-top tube carefully.
    1. DO NOT touch or dispose of the liquid in the tube.
  7. Transfer the stool sample into the tube using the built-in scoop until you reach the FILL LINE. 
    1. Collect from different areas of the sample.
    2. If you see a worm, go to step 11.
    3. Note: If the sample tube is not full enough, you may need to recollect.
  8. Mix the sample with the liquid in the tube until it is as smooth as possible.
  9. Screw the cap on tightly.
  10. Shake the tube for 30 seconds.
  11. NOTE: If a worm is seen, do not place it in the tube with stool. 
    1. Place the worm in one of these places without any additional stool. 
      1. The GREEN-top tube
      2. A clean glass jar with rubbing alcohol
    2. Write "WORM" on the tube or jar.
    3. DO NOT mix and mash the sample or shake the tube.
  12. Place the tube in the biohazard bag.
  13. Repeat steps 3-10 with the other 3 tubes.
    1. ORANGE-top tube
    2. PINK-top tube
    3. CLEAR-top tube
      1. The clear-top tube does not have a liquid in it. 
  14. Peel open the swab package. 
  15. Remove the tube and place it upright.
    1. The swab should remain in the sleeve until you are ready to collect the sample.
  16. Grasp the swab above the middle notch (opposite end from the applicator tip).
  17. Insert the rounded applicator tip of the swab into the stool sample and rotate it. 
  18. Confirm that the swab is evenly coated with stool. If not, repeat step 15.
    1. DO NOT "spoon" the specimen with the swab.
  19. Open the swab collection tube and insert the swab.
  20. Mash and mix the rounded nylon end of the swab with stool on it against the side of the tube.
  21. Break the swab off at the break point.
  22. Place the screw cap on the tube and tighten.
  23. Place the swab collection tube in the biohazard bag.
  24. Refrigerate all of the tubes until ready to ship.
    1. DO NOT freeze the tubes.
  25. Dispose of the remaining sample in the toilet.
  26. Put the collection container and the glove in the black disposable bag. Place the bag in the garbage.
  27. Complete the test registration (instructions HERE).
    1. Please ensure that the name on the registration matches the name on your Rupa order EXACTLY. If it does not match, you may need to recollect your samples.

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Requisition & Payment

  • Your kit has been prepaid. You DO NOT need to pay anything extra.
  • Instructions on how to fill out your requisition can be found HERE.
    • Since you pre-paid for your tests, you do not need to fill in the payment information on any of these forms.

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Shipping

  • Ship samples to the lab within 24 hours of the final collection.
  • Rupa Health recommends shipping Monday - Thursday only to avoid shipment delays. 
  • To prepare your samples for shipping, 
    • Place the biohazard bags with the tubes in the outer collection box. 
    • Place the collection box into the FedEx Clinical Pak mailer.
    • Place the completed activation card into the FedEx Clinical Pak mailer.
    • Place the provided prepaid label onto the FedEx mailer. This will ensure your sample is overnighted.
  • Make a note of the tracking number so that you can track your samples back to the lab.
  • Ship your samples via FedEx.
    • You can take your samples to the nearest FedEx location. 
    • DO NOT place your samples in a drop box. 
    • You can schedule a pickup by calling FedEx at 1-800-463-3339 or visiting www.fedex.com. 

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Results

  • Results should be released to your provider 7-10 days after samples are received at the lab. We cannot guarantee processing time. 
  • Your provider will notify you when your results are in and schedule a follow-up appointment for you to review them together. 
  • Your provider may choose to release your results to you. Rupa cannot release your results without provider authorization.

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More Resources

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Questions?

For general questions, email Rupa Health at support@rupahealth.com. For test-specific questions, contact Genova Diagnostics by calling 1-800-522-4762 or chatting with support.