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How to read your Genova GI-Effects results

Genova GI-Effects is one of the longest-running comprehensive stool tests in functional medicine. Where the GI-MAP focuses tightly on organisms, GI-Effects emphasizes the metabolic and digestive layer: short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, propionate, acetate), pancreatic enzyme function via Elastase-1, fecal fat absorption via Steatocrit, and inflammation via Calprotectin. It is often the better choice when the clinical question is digestive function rather than infection, or when low SCFA and butyrate are suspected.

Methodology Combined approach using PCR for organism detection plus mass spectrometry and biochemistry for short-chain fatty acids, fecal fat (steatocrit), and digestive markers.

Sample Single or 3-day stool collection depending on the panel ordered.

Turnaround 14 to 21 business days

How to order Practitioner-only

Approx. cost $400 to $550 depending on panel tier

How Genova GI-Effects works

Combined approach using PCR for organism detection plus mass spectrometry and biochemistry for short-chain fatty acids, fecal fat (steatocrit), and digestive markers. Genova's strength is the breadth of metabolic and digestive measurements, not just organism counts.

What Genova GI-Effects does well

Direct quantification of short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, propionate, acetate)
Strong digestive function panel (Elastase-1, Steatocrit, fecal fat)
Combines organism detection with metabolic measurements
Long-standing reference ranges with good clinical history
Multiple panel tiers to match the clinical question

What Genova GI-Effects misses

Less detailed H. pylori virulence factor panel than GI-MAP
Smaller opportunistic-organism list than GI-MAP
Higher cost than the lighter GI-MAP panel
Does not include 16S diversity sequencing

What's on the Genova GI-Effects panel

These are the markers Genova GI-Effects reports on. Click any underlined marker to see what the result means and how to address it.

Already have your Genova GI-Effects PDF?

Upload it and we'll extract every marker, generate a personalized 6-week food protocol with exact quantities, and produce a grocery list ready to send to Instacart or Kroger. Most users get their protocol back in under 2 minutes.

Upload my Genova GI-Effects PDF

When Genova GI-Effects is the right test

low energy and post-meal sluggishness (SCFA workup)
fat malabsorption (greasy stools, undigested food)
chronic constipation with suspected low SCFA
suspected pancreatic insufficiency
inflammation on prior tests with no clear organism cause

Tests people consider alongside Genova GI-Effects

Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory GI-MAP Doctor's Data Doctor's Data GI360 Biomesight Biomesight

Frequently asked questions

How much does Genova GI-Effects cost?

Approximately $400 to $550 depending on panel tier. The exact price depends on the practitioner who orders it, whether you have insurance reimbursement (most stool tests are not covered), and any add-on panels.

How long do Genova GI-Effects results take?

Typically 14 to 21 business days from the time the lab receives your sample. Add 3 to 5 days for shipping in each direction.

Can I order Genova GI-Effects without a doctor?

Not directly. Genova GI-Effects is sold to practitioners only, so you need a referring doctor, naturopath, dietitian, or licensed practitioner to order it for you. Most functional medicine clinics, telemedicine practitioners, and some integrative gastroenterologists can order it.

Can Test to Table interpret my Genova GI-Effects results?

Yes. Upload your Genova GI-Effects PDF and we will extract every marker, generate a personalized 6-week food protocol with exact quantities, and produce a grocery list.

What does Genova GI-Effects miss?

No single stool test catches everything. The "What this test misses" section above lists the specific gaps. The most common pattern is to combine a targeted-organism test (like GI-MAP) with a diversity-style test (like Biomesight or Thorne) when the clinical question is ambiguous.