There isn’t a single perfect method for addressing all clinical questions regarding the gastrointestinal microbiota. Culture and PCR are extremely comprehensive and complimentary methods to investigate clinically important issues regarding the gastrointestinal microbiota. Culture with proteomic identification via MALDI-TOF MS remains clinically significant for determining the presence and robustness of aerobic and facultative anaerobic organisms. PCR addresses the question – Is it there? However, PCR is limited to the number of probes used. The GI360 is able to identify >1,600 genera and species of bacteria and yeast. Additionally, clinically applicable susceptibility testing requires cultured isolates of live bacteria and yeast.