GA-map® includes
Dysbiosis index
Bacterial abundance
Functional profiles
Diversity
Why GA-map®?
The GA-map® Dysbiosis Test is a gut microbiota tool developed to identify and characterize bacteria deviations in human fecal samples based on bacterial DNA analysis.
Established through years of extensive research, the test has been developed in collaboration with European specialists within the field.
The core advantage of GA-map® is that it contains key markers which target the most relevant gut bacteria and provides easy-to-interpret results in a fast and standardized way.
Services we offer
Service Lab
Our global network of GA-map® flagship labs is fully equipped and ready to analyze your samples. GA-map's proprietary algorithm removes the need for extensive and time-consuming data processing (no OUT clustering, no assembly, no pre-processing of data).
In addition to a comprehensive gut microbiota analysis, you will get a tailored data report to support your research.
Scientific advice
We offer clinical study design and publication writing.
We have long expertise in clinical research in the gut microbiota field. Our clinical research experts are ready to help you develop and finalize your study protocol.
Bioinformatics
Our experienced bioinformatics team can perform data analysis tailored to your needs.
R&D consultancy
Have you identified a bacterial panel or a specific signature? GA-map technology has the potential to unlock new diagnostic solutions. Develop your test on our platform.
Do our services fit your needs? Reach out for a non binding talk.
Benefits of the GA-map® technology
 | Speed and throughputResults in 1-2 days for 96-well plate | 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
Healthy normal reference values
Relative abundance compared to reference values
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
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).
What is GA-map® technology?
The unique GA-map® platform presents a different approach in microbiota analysis from sequencing and the current clinical diagnostic methods. GA-map® is a pre-determined multiplex assay specialized for simultaneous analysis of a large number of bacteria in one reaction. Our technology utilizes occurence of sequence variations on the bacterial 16S rRNA gene in the design of highly specific DNA probes, which are able to differentiate between bacteria groups based on their gene sequence.
As opposed to sequencing, GA-map® uses almost the whole length of the 16S gene (variable regions V3-V9) to enable better recognition of bacteria on low taxonomic levels. The panel consists of 48 bacterial markers, targeting over 300 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 markers selected for the panel have the ability to distinguish between a healthy balanced microbiota and a state of dysbiosis commonly observed in gastrointestinal disorders. The assay incorporates MagPlex® microspheres for solid phase hybridization and easy readout on Luminex®200™ or MAGPIX® instruments. Find out more about the Luminex® instruments here:
Visit the Luminex website for information on the instruments
The test results are generated by utilizing the clinically validated cutting-edge GA-map® software algorithm, which enables immediate results without the need for further bioinformatic work. The overall turnaround time for the GA-map® assay in the lab is 1-2 days.
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.
GA-map® global network
Curious? Get in touch to know more about our GA-map® Flagship 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
Accumulating evidence show a profound association between dysbiosis and a wide range of health disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), colon cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), major depression disorder, ASD, Parkinson’s disease, obesity, etc.
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 function such as areas of gut-barrier defense, nutrition and behavior. These core functional bacteria are common to all healthy humans. However, each individuals 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, while it has a multitude of functions in the.
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.
Dysbiosis can be induced by various external factors, some of these are: low-fiber diet, antibiotic intake or excessive alcohol consumption and 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, such as IBS, IBD or cancer.
Moreover, dysbiosis and inflammation have been observed in numerous other conditions, such as diabetes, chronic fatigue, allergies, anxiety, depression and Parkinson’s disease.
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 through 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.
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.
The GA-map® assay 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.
The GA-map® assay is documented and standardized for clinical routine testing and provides standardized, easy to interpret results.
The 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 technology utilizes amplification of the 16S rRNA gene, present in all bacteria, for simultaneous detection of 48 clinically relevant bacteria markers.
GA-map® was developed using cohorts of both healthy individuals as well as IBS and IBD patients. A healthy reference population was used to establish relative abundance of bacteria species and to assess deviations from the normobiotic composition.
The GA-map® Dysbiosis Test is CE marked and IVD-R compliant. Standardization of the test ensures repeatable and accurate results.
The 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.
The unique, patented algorithm in the GA-map® software calculates the dysbiosis index, several functional bacteria profiles and the 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 a LIMS software and used to generate customized report forms.
See an example of a report form here: Link to report form pdf
GA-map® collection kit includes everything you need to safely collect and ship a sample. The small, but representative, sample of fecal material is diluted in a tube that contains stabilizing buffer (eNATTM™).
The buffer inhibits bacterial growth as well as stabilizing DNA and RNA in the sample; preserving the sample for transport and storage prior to analysis.
Instructions and instruction video (QR) are printed on the inside of the box. Watch the animated video that takes you through the sample collection procedure.