Easy to integrate
High throughput
Short turnaround
CE-IVD marked
Innovative technology
GA-map® Dysbiosis Test is an innovative probe-based technology that represents the next step in gut microbiota diagnostics.
GA-map® Dysbiosis Test is CE-IVD marked, standardized for clinical routine testing and provides easy to interpret results.
Validated and CE-IVD marked
GA-map® Dysbiosis Test is designed to diagnose and characterize dysbiosis from a fecal sample. It has been validated using independent cohorts of clinically validated healthy volunteers, IBS and IBD patients.
The technology utilizes amplification of the 16S rRNA gene, present in all bacteria, for simultaneous detection of 48 clinically relevant bacteria markers.
Benefits of the GA-map® technology
 | Speed and throughputResults in 1-2 days for hundreds of samples | Cost efficiencyLow cost per sample | SpecificitySpecies level resolution | ReproducibilityStandardised, highly accurate and reproducible results | Pre-determined approachA panel targeting only the relevant bacteria | MultiplexityDetects up to 80 targets per well |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| qPCR | ||||||
| 16s rRNA Sequencing | ||||||
| Shotgun metagenomics | ||||||
| GA-map® |
GA-map® Dysbiosis Test
Reference values
Relative abundance compared to healthy normal
No data processing steps
Patented algorithm providing ready-to-use results
Dysbiosis Index
Validated dysbiosis indicator
CE-IVD marked
Meets high safety, health, and environmental requirements
CE-IVD marked
Reproducible
Clinically validated
Pre-determined targeting
What is GA-map® technology?
The unique GA-map® technology presents a different approach in microbiota analysis from other methods currently in use in research and clinical diagnostics. GA-map® is a pre-selected target multiplex platform allowing simultaneous analysis of a large number of bacteria in a single reaction. Our technology utilizes sequence variations between different bacteria groups or species for detection and quantification.
GA-map® uses almost the full length of the 16S gene (variable regions V3-V9) to detect bacteria at low taxonomic levels (genus and species). Bacteria marker panels built on the GA-map® platform can simultaneously target multiple bacteria on different taxonomic levels.
Depending on the composition of bacteria present in each sample, the probes in the GA-map® panel will bind to their respective target DNA and produce a signal.
The assay incorporates MagPlex® microspheres for solid phase hybridization and easy readout on Luminex®200™ or MAGPIX® instruments (Luminex Corp.). The workflow allows a short turnaround time of 1-2 days.
Find out more about the Luminex® instruments here:
Visit the Luminex website for information on the instruments
Procedure of the GA-map® technology
Sample Collection
STEP 1
gDNA extraction
STEP 2
Amplification of 16s rRNA gene
STEP 3
Quantification of PCR product
STEP 4
Clean-up of PCR product
STEP 5
End-labeling of probe set
STEP 6
Hybridization and signal detection
Data QC and result generation
Easy-to-read test results
With the GA-map® technology, the need for comprehensive result calculations in microbiota testing is obsolete. The raw data are processed through a unique algorithm and compared to a healthy reference population to obtain clinically meaningful results.
The results are presented in an easy to read report form based on information from 48 preselected bacteria markers, included in the panel because of their discriminatory power in distinction between normal and dysbiotic gut.
Using the cutting edge GA-map® technology, one reaction gives answers for 48 bacteria markers which represent approximately 300 bacterial species detected at different taxonomic levels.
Download a sample report for free below.
Dysbiosis index (DI), measured on a 5-point scale from 1 (normobiosis) to 5 (severe dysbiosis), where DI values>2 indicate the presence of dysbiosis. Dysbiosis index shows how much the bacterial profile of a sample deviates from a normal, healthy reference population.
How to get your lab started
STEP 1
Check if your lab is equipped with all necessary instruments according to our P.I.G.
STEP 2
Our tech-transfer team will help you install the platform and train your staff.
STEP 3
You’re ready to run GA-map®!
CUSTOMER SERVICE
You can always contact our support team. We will be your partner every step of the way.
Publications
The GA-map® technology holds the potential for development of In-Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) tests for all diseases and conditions where the microbiota is involved. An increasing number of researchers have discovered the efficiency and simplicity of the GA-map® Dysbiosis Test in gut microbiota analysis.
Merging the rapidness, preciseness, and robustness of RT-PCR approaches with the comprehensiveness of next-generation sequencing, the GA-map® technology drastically reduces the time from analysis to publication. The GA-map® technology has until now been applied in clinical research in the fields of gastroenterology (IBS and IBD) and metabolic disorders (Diabetes and Obesity).
GA-map® global network
Curious? Get in touch to know more about the GA-map® Test performing Labs worldwide
We used GA-map® in our clinical research within IBS. We have great experience with GA-map® as a tool to select, monitor and follow-up patients.
Professor Magdy El-Salhy
Stord Hospital, Helse Bergen and the University of Bergen, Norway
There is still so much to learn about the microbiome, we are only just beginning to discover its importance, and the GA-map Test will help us do just that.
Emeritus Professor Peter Malfertheiner
Senior Professor at the Ludwig Maximillian University, University Clinic in Munich, Germany
Industry partners
Academic network
Frequently asked questions
The gut microbiota is the most abundant microbiota in the human body. We have a set of core functional bacteria that are involved in vital functions such as gut-barrier defense, nutrition and behavior. These core functional bacteria are common to all healthy humans. However, each individual’s gut microbiota composition is mostly unique.
Gut bacteria composition can be influenced by various factors such as parental microbiota, genetics, age, diet, environment and medication.
Under normal conditions, the various bacteria species present in the human gut exist in a balance. A loss of this balance, resulting in alterations to the gut microbiota composition (loss of species diversity or overgrowth of single bacteria species) is called dysbiosis.
Gut microbiota dysbiosis is often associated with overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens and depletion of commensal bacteria, resulting in disturbances of the microbiota’s digestive and anti-inflammatory functions. Dysbiosis can be induced by various external factors, some of which are: low-fiber diet, antibiotic intake or excessive alcohol consumption. Dysbiosis is also associated with a number of diseases.
Gut microbiota dysbiosis is often associated with overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens and depletion of commensal bacteria, resulting in disturbances of the microbiota’s digestive and anti-inflammatory functions. Functional impairments can lead to inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, which in turn can take part in the development of chronic diseases.
Accumulating evidence show a profound association between dysbiosis and a wide range of health disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, colorectal cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, major depression disorder, autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson’s disease, obesity, and many others.
The GA-map® technology utilizes instruments commonly used in clinical laboratories. Follow our Pre-Installation Guide to check if your lab is equipped with the right instruments.
Our technology transfer team will assist you throughout the installation process and perform comprehensive training for your staff.
We will make sure you have everything you need to start running the GA- map® assay. Close follow-ups are always included in our technology transfer service.
GA-map® utilizes well-established molecular lab techniques and instruments commonly used in clinical laboratories. DNA extracted from the samples does not require extensive processing or library preparation, allowing for complete analysis from sample to result in 1-2 days.
As part of our CE-IVD GA-map® Dysbiosis Test, the GA-map® software performs quality control and generates sample reports with no need for additional data processing steps. The GA-map® Dysbiosis Test is complemented with an instruction video and a detailed user manual.
GA-map® Dysbiosis Test uses a selection of 48 probes targeting >300 bacteria on different taxonomic levels. Samples from a normobiotic reference population were used to develop a dysbiosis model with a bacterial profile and dysbiosis index score output.
The model algorithmically assesses fecal bacterial abundance and profiles, and potential clinically relevant deviation in the microbiome from normobiosis. This model was tested on samples from healthy volunteers, IBS and IBD patients to determine the ability to detect dysbiosis.
GA-map® Dysbiosis Test is documented and standardized for clinical routine testing and provides standardized, easy to interpret results.
GA-map® Dysbiosis Test is designed to diagnose and characterize dysbiosis from a fecal sample. The test has been validated using independent cohorts of healthy volunteers, IBS and IBD patients.
The test was developed using the GA-map® technology, utilizing amplification of the 16S rRNA gene, present in all bacteria, for simultaneous detection of 48 clinically relevant bacteria markers.
The GA-map® platform utilizes a pre-selected target approach, where each bacterial marker has documented specificity, making the results independent of external database hits. Tests developed on our platform haveproven high reproducibility.
Under development of GA-map® Dysbiosis Test, cohorts of both healthy individuals as well as IBS and IBD patients were used to establish a healthy reference population with relative abundance of bacteria species and to assess deviations from the normobiotic composition. GA-map® Dysbiosis Test is CE marked and IVD-R compliant. Standardization of the test ensures repeatable and accurate results. GA-map® reagent kits are produced following the ISO 13485 standard for medical devices.
The GA-map® Dysbiosis Test reagent kit contains all the reagents required for the analysis. Additional kits are required for gDNA isolation and quantification.
GA-map Discovery® is run for you entirely in our Service lab. All you need to do is send us your samples, we will send you the results. No pre-analysis preparation needed.
The unique, patented algorithm in the GA-map® software calculates the Dysbiosis Index, several functional bacteria profiles and relative abundance of 48 clinically relevant bacteria for each sample.
The results are presented in an easy-to-read report form generated by the GA-map® software. Alternatively, the results can be exported via LIMS software and used to generate customized report forms.
See an example of the report form here: Report form pdf