Microbiome testing FAQ
Find practical answers about the Gut Microbiome Test, including the required stool sample, at-home collection, sample return, laboratory turnaround, report contents, follow-up testing, and important limitations.
The test provides educational information about the bacterial composition found in the submitted sample. It does not diagnose digestive disease or replace medical evaluation.
Seek medical advice for new, severe, worsening, or persistent symptoms. A microbiome report should not be used to delay evaluation, diagnose a condition, or replace treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
Key facts about the test
Sample
A stool sample is collected at home using the materials and instructions supplied with the kit.
Laboratory timeframe
Results are generally prepared within 15–20 working days after an acceptable sample is received at the laboratory.
Report
The report describes bacteria identified in the sample, their relative abundance, and personalized educational dietary guidance.
Choosing and understanding the test
What does the Gut Microbiome Test examine?
It examines the bacterial composition found in a submitted stool sample, including the types of bacteria identified and their relative abundance. The report is intended to provide educational information about the sample and personalized dietary guidance.
What sample does the test require?
The test requires a stool sample collected at home with the materials supplied in the collection kit.
Do I need a clinician to order the test?
Follow the ordering requirements shown on the product and checkout pages. A clinician may not be required for an educational wellness test, but a healthcare professional should be involved when symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, or major dietary changes are part of your decision.
Can this test diagnose IBS, IBD, infection, or another gut condition?
No. A microbiome report does not diagnose or rule out IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, infection, food intolerance, cancer, or another digestive condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation and, when necessary, validated medical testing.
When may microbiome testing be useful?
It may be useful when you want an educational snapshot of the bacterial composition in a stool sample, want to review the report's dietary guidance, or have a defined reason to compare results from two different time points. It should not be treated as a complete assessment of digestive health.
Can I review an example before ordering?
Yes. Open the microbiome sample report page to review the report structure, categories, and limitations before placing an order.
Using and returning the kit
How do I collect the sample?
Read the instructions before beginning and use only the collection materials supplied with your kit. Complete all required labels or forms, collect the stool sample as directed, and package it using the specified materials.
Do I need to prepare before collecting the sample?
Follow the preparation instructions included with your specific kit. Do not stop medication, supplements, or prescribed treatment solely to prepare for testing. Contact the team or your healthcare professional when you are unsure how your current treatment affects collection timing.
What should I do if the kit arrives damaged or incomplete?
Do not collect the sample. Contact support with your order details and, when possible, photographs of the package so the team can confirm the correct replacement or support process.
Where do I return the sample?
Use the exact return address and packaging instructions included with your kit. Do not use an address from another order because laboratory destinations can vary by test.
Is sample return postage included?
Do not assume return postage is prepaid. Review the instructions supplied with your order and the Shipping and Sample Returns page to confirm which delivery and return charges apply.
Should I keep the return tracking number?
Yes. When you use a tracked return service, keep the tracking number until delivery to the stated destination has been confirmed.
Timing and responsible interpretation
How long do results take?
Results are generally available within 15–20 working days after an acceptable stool sample is received at the laboratory. Kit delivery and sample-return transit are not included in this laboratory timeframe.
When does the turnaround period begin?
The estimate begins when the laboratory receives and accepts the sample for analysis, not when the order is placed, the kit is delivered, or the sample is mailed back.
What information is included in the report?
The report describes bacterial groups identified in the sample and their relative abundance. It also includes personalized educational dietary recommendations intended to support review of the reported profile.
How will I receive the report?
The report-access method is stated in your order information and may involve electronic delivery or secure online access. Protect your account credentials and report links because the report contains personal information.
Should I change my diet based only on the report?
No major dietary change should be based only on a microbiome report. Consider allergies, diagnosed conditions, medications, nutritional needs, and professional advice. A registered dietitian or qualified clinician can help place recommendations in the right context.
Does a result show whether my microbiome is permanently healthy or unhealthy?
No. The report reflects the submitted sample at one point in time. Microbiome composition can vary, and no single result provides a complete or permanent measure of overall gut health.
Questions about unsuccessful samples and repeat testing
What happens if the sample cannot be analyzed?
The team will explain whether a new sample is needed. Replacement-kit, shipping, recollection, or retesting charges may apply when the issue is connected to collection, labeling, sample quality, storage, or return handling. A verified laboratory error is handled through the appropriate corrective process.
Can I order a follow-up microbiome test?
A follow-up test option may be available when arranged with the first test. Confirm availability and current terms before ordering if you want to compare two time points.
How often should I repeat the test?
There is no universal schedule for routine consumer microbiome retesting. Repeat testing is more meaningful when you have a defined comparison question and understand that normal biological variation can affect differences between samples.
Can I use the report to choose a probiotic or treatment?
The report can support educational discussion, but it should not be used by itself to select medical treatment. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional before using a probiotic, supplement, restrictive diet, or other intervention to address symptoms or a diagnosed condition.
What can affect the meaning of my results?
Sample quality, collection and return handling, normal biological variation, diet, medications, recent health events, and the laboratory and reporting methods can all affect how findings should be understood. Read the report's limitations rather than interpreting one score or category in isolation.
Where can I read more about the limitations?
Open the Microbiome Testing Limitations page for more detail about variability, responsible interpretation, and when medical evaluation is appropriate.
Helpful microbiome testing pages
Review the main service description, current ordering information, and report focus.
Follow the process from kit delivery and stool sample collection to laboratory analysis and report access.
See how bacterial findings, relative abundance, dietary guidance, and limitations are presented.
Learn why microbiome results should be interpreted as an educational snapshot rather than a diagnosis.
Review kit delivery, return instructions, tracking, and laboratory turnaround timing.
Learn how order details, samples, accounts, and reports are handled during the service.
Ask before collecting or returning your sample
Contact the team with the test name, your order number when available, and a short description of the issue. Ask before collection when the kit is damaged, incomplete, or unclear.
For new, severe, or persistent symptoms, contact a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on a consumer microbiome report.
