Once you’ve ordered your GI-MAP Stool Test, there are a few things to know before you collect your sample. This page covers the most common questions about medications, supplements, and timing so you can get the most accurate results.
Need help with the actual collection? Check out the collection and shipping guide.
Filling Out the Order Form
What should I fill in on the order form?
Just fill out your personal details. Skip the “practice information” and “billing” sections. Before you ship, double-check that your name and info are correct on the stool vials.
See a sample GI-MAP order form
Medications
Do I need to change my medications before the GI-MAP stool test?
Keep taking your prescription medications as usual. Don’t stop any prescription meds unless your doctor says to. That said, some medications can affect your gut or the markers the test measures, so it helps to write down what you’re taking. If timing matters, talk to your healthcare provider.
Some medications that may affect results include:
- Antibiotics (like amoxicillin or ciprofloxacin)
- Acid-blocking drugs like PPIs and H2 blockers (omeprazole, ranitidine)
- Steroids you take by mouth (prednisone, dexamethasone)
- Biologic medications (Humira, Remicade)
- Pain relievers like NSAIDs and aspirin
- Laxatives and stool softeners
- Medications that affect digestion speed (like metoclopramide)
- Blood thinners (warfarin)
- Diabetes medications (metformin)
Antibiotics
How do antibiotics affect my results, and how long should I wait?
Antibiotics can really shake up your gut bacteria. If you can, wait 30 to 60 days after finishing your antibiotics before collecting your sample. This gives your gut time to settle back down.
Supplements
Should I stop taking supplements?
Most supplements are fine to keep taking. But some can change what shows up on your results. If you want to see your gut’s true starting point, your provider might suggest pausing certain products. Here are the common ones to think about.
Natural antimicrobials (oregano oil, berberine, grapefruit seed extract)
These can knock down bacteria levels or shift your results. If you want a clear picture of your baseline, try stopping them 30 to 60 days before you collect, if that works for you.
Digestive enzymes, lipase, and ox bile
Regular digestive enzymes usually won’t throw off elastase-1 (a marker for pancreas function). But lipase and ox bile supplements can lower steatocrit, which measures fat in your stool. If you’re mainly testing fat absorption, consider stopping these at least 3 days before collection.
Probiotics
Probiotics can change your results. If you want to see what your natural gut bacteria look like, stop probiotics about 2 weeks before collecting. If you’re checking whether your current probiotic routine is working, keep taking them.
Biofilm disruptors (NAC, serrapeptase, EDTA)
Some people take these before testing to help reveal bacteria that might be hiding. This is optional and can change your results, so talk to your healthcare provider first.
Your Period and Timing
Can my period affect the test?
Yes. Menstrual blood can trigger false positives on the blood-in-stool markers. Try to avoid collecting 3 days before and 3 days after your period if possible. Contact us if the sample was contaminated and we’ll send you another kit at no cost.
After a Colonoscopy
Should I wait after having a colonoscopy?
Yes. The prep and procedure can temporarily disrupt your gut bacteria. Wait at least 1 week after your colonoscopy before collecting your sample.
Steroids Like Prednisone
Do oral steroids change my gut bacteria?
They can. Steroids like prednisone may affect your gut flora. Keep taking them as your doctor prescribed. If you need help figuring out the best timing, ask your healthcare provider.
Antimicrobial Products
What about antimicrobial supplements or medications?
If you’re taking antimicrobial products, waiting 30 to 60 days before collecting can give you a cleaner baseline. But don’t stop prescription medications without talking to your doctor.
After Surgery
Can I do the test after surgery?
Yes, but keep in mind that some inflammation markers (like calprotectin) can run high for a while after procedures. If you’re mainly looking at inflammation levels, talk to your provider about timing so you don’t misread a temporary spike.
Common Collection Problems
What if urine or toilet water gets in my sample?
If your sample gets contaminated, it’s usually best to start over with a clean setup. The collection and shipping guide has tips to avoid this. Contact us for a test kit replacement at no cost.
What if my stool is watery or I can’t go when planned?
Watery stool can be tricky to collect cleanly, and constipation can throw off your schedule. When you can, try to collect a typical sample and follow the fill lines on the kit. If you regularly use laxatives or stool softeners, make a note of that on the order form.
What if I think I made a mistake?
The most common issues are collecting too close to antibiotic use, collecting during your period, and shipping delays. Check the collection and shipping guide to make sure you’re on track. If you do make a mistake, contact us for a kit replacement at no cost.
