Ixcela

Next Generation Testing

Traditional labs, genetic markers, and environmental factors fall short of giving a functional view of the complex interaction between the body and the gut microbiome. Ixcela’s next-generation testing bridges this gap by measuring how well 11 metabolites critical to whole-body health are working and providing actionable steps to correct them.

Functional Gut Microbiome Testing

Ixcela CLIA Certified

Gut Functionality and Patient Health
Ixcela is the only company using a pinprick blood test to measure metabolites related to gut microbiome health. The 11 metabolites Ixcela tests were selected due to the significant role they play in assessing gut functionality, particularly as they relate to overall health and wellness. Using values obtained from Ixcela’s CLIA-certified lab testing, physicians can attain key details about their patients’ health—such as the presence of gut dysbiosis or damage to the gut lining, whether the individual is missing nutrients in their diet, and whether stress and inflammation are drivers of symptoms—as well as meaningful interventions to address them.


CoulArray™ Technology
The technology behind our testing is the Electrochemical Array (CoulArray™), invented by Ixcela co-founder Wayne Matson, Ph.D. who has used them, collaborating in an extensive number of studies of various disorders. Ixcela's innovative technology was developed to measure a critical subset of metabolites we identified from the review of his work. The Ixcela test analyzes these metabolites with a liquid chromatography (LC) technique coupled with Electrochemical Array Detection (ECA), originally invented by Wayne. With our proprietary modifications, this can be done just a few small drops of blood on a collection device. Ixcela then generates a report comparing the recorded metabolite values to normal, healthy ranges.

“The new era of microbiome analysis must involve metabolite testing. A list of different bacteria doesn’t tell us enough. We also need to know what those microbes are doing. Once we understand that, we can make meaningful interventions that truly impact patient health. Ixcela is the next generation of microbiome analysis and one of the most helpful tools I use in my practice.”

Dr. Marvin Singh, Gastroenterologist

Dr. Travis Wilkes, MD

Dr. Travis Wilkes, MD discusses how Ixcela testing can help physicians get a clearer picture of what’s going on with their patients so that they can improve outcomes.

“Understanding an individual’s gut microbiome is often a missing piece of the puzzle. Ixcela’s metabolite profile clearly illustrates how an individual’s unique lifestyle, diet, medical history, genetics, and medications interact with their gut microbiome. Armed with this data, I can help my patients adapt, recover, and thrive to their best potential. Ultimately, the Ixcela test brings the big picture of a patient’s health into clear focus.”

Dr. Travis Wilkes, MD, Family Medicine and Primary Care

METABOLITES WE TEST

  • Indole-3-acetic acid plays a crucial role in maintaining beneficial Lactobacillus species of gut bacteria.
  • Above-optimal levels cause sleep issues, bloating, heartburn, abdominal pain, irregular digestion, and frequent illness.
  • Below-optimal levels cause potential dysbiosis, symptoms including bloating, heartburn, abdominal pain, irregular digestion, sleep disturbances, acne, and eczema.
IAA

  • Indole-3-lactic acid is crucial in producing other essential metabolites, like indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a strong antioxidant.
  • Above-optimal or below-optimal levels cause gut bacteria dysbiosis (bacterial imbalance), which can lead to various adverse symptoms, including gastrointestinal (GI) distress, inflammation, poor immune system, sleep disturbances, acne, and eczema.
ILA

  • Indole-3-propionic acid is crucial in regulating intestinal permeability.
  • Below-optimal levels cause bloating, irregular digestion, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, gas, brain fog, and food sensitivities.
IPA

  • Kynurenine plays a crucial role in energy, dilating blood vessels, inflammatory mechanisms, immune response, and neurological function, maintaining DNA integrity, and turning food into energy.
  • Above-optimal levels cause decreased mental clarity, emotional imbalances, and inflammation.
  • Below-optimal levels cause decreased energy and a weakened immune system.
KYN

  • Serotonin plays a crucial role in mood regulation, muscle health, gut health, brain health, the ability to fall asleep, and initiating digestion.
  • Above-optimal levels cause emotional imbalances, sleep struggles (trouble falling asleep and staying asleep), diarrhea, and a “faster-moving gut.”
  • Below-optimal levels cause emotional imbalances, sleep struggles (trouble staying asleep or waking up several times throughout the night), constipation, and stomach issues.
SER

  • Total indoxyl sulfate plays a crucial role in maintaining kidney and heart health.
  • Above-optimal levels cause slow recovery and increase the risk of inflammation.
  • Below-optimal levels cause decreased energy and a weakened immune system.
IDS

  • Tryptophan is crucial in manufacturing several vital metabolites, including serotonin, kynurenine, and indole metabolites. It also supports normal brain processes that affect mood, behavior, sleep, memory, and learning.
  • Above-optimal levels cause GI distress, irregular digestion, and inflammation.
  • Below-optimal levels cause trouble falling asleep, poor stress management, and reduced motivation.
TRP

  • Tyrosine plays a crucial role in regulating mood, motivation, behavior, general feelings of well-being, and dopamine production.
  • Above-optimal levels cause low energy, muscle fatigue, soreness, and inflammation.
  • Below-optimal levels cause feelings of anxiousness, difficulty sleeping, and constipation.
TYR

  • Uric acid is crucial in the immune system, DNA, and RNA production.
  • Above-optimal levels cause inflammation and pain.
  • Below-optimal levels cause decreased energy and a weakened immune system.
UA

  • Xanthine plays a crucial role in digestion by inducing hydrochloric acid production and the secretion of pepsin from cells lining the stomach. XAN also helps to break down food and turn it into energy.
  • Above-optimal levels cause oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle fatigue, soreness, low energy, and slowed recovery.
  • Below-optimal levels cause irregular digestion.
XAN

  • 3-Methylxanine is crucial in regulating hydrochloric acid and pepsin secretion, which aid digestion.
  • Above-optimal levels cause irregular digestion, indigestion, and poor sleep.
XAN