GI360 and CSAP are testing options for pediatric populations. The CSAP may be more appropriate for those under 2 years of age. The Microbiome Abundance and Diversity portion of the GI360 is best utilized for ages 2 and above due to expected variations in the microbiome before the age of 2.

There are clinical nuances when interpreting stool reports in pediatric populations. For example, breast fed infant stool contains higher levels of inflammatory markers, calprotectin and lactoferrin. Pediatric patients are more frequent carriers of C. difficile than adults. Cultures of stool “normal” and “abnormal” organisms and quantities differ in pediatric patients vs. adults and require careful interpretation before treatment. GI pathogens and parasites, however, are significant findings, irrespective of age.

Pediatric reference ranges have not been established for stool testing, including the GI360, CSAP and microbiology test.