The stool test is a comprehensive collection of microbial targets as well as immune, inflammation and digestive markers. It screens for pathogenic bacteria, commensal bacteria, opportunistic pathogens, fungi, viruses, and parasites.
The gut contains 2kg of microorganisms!
The gut contains trillions of microorganisms weighing up to 2kg and is as unique to you as your fingerprint. Your microbiome has many useful functions which include absorbing and producing nutrients, maintaining the gut lining to keep out toxins and inhibit unwelcome microorganisms, providing immunity, and producing mood regulating hormones such as serotonin. The microbiome can be disrupted by a number of lifestyle and environmental factors including medications and antibiotics, chronic constipation, stress and diet.
Refer to our blog - The forgotten organ, the thriving population that lives in your gut - for more information.
The modern diet has reduced the diversity of the microbiome
Dysbiosis is an unhealthy imbalance in the gut microbiome which not only affects bowel function (causing irritable bowel symptoms), but can also lead to inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, and even mental health problems. This microbiome test will analyse your gut bacteria and show you if you have an undergrowth or overgrowth in specific gut microbes.
If you'd like a nutritional review and assessment of your test results by our Clinical Nutritionist, consider adding on a Nutrition Assessment.
What we test
Key Microbiota
The two largest phyla making up the gut microbiome in humans are Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The relationship of these two large groups, expressed as the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, has been associated with a number of pathological conditions.
This stool test measures:
Parasites
Some gut problems can be a consequence of an undetected gut infection. A significant number of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) cases could actually be due to undiagnosed gut parasites such as Blastocystis hominis and Dientamoeba fragilis.
This stool test measures:
Worms
PCR-based stool worm tests are particularly useful when other diagnostic methods, such as microscopic examination of stool samples, do not yield definitive results. They can provide a more precise identification of the specific worm species present, aiding in targeted treatment and management of the infection.
This stool test measures:
Opportunistic Bacteria
In a healthy individual with a balanced gut microbiome, opportunistic bacteria are usually kept in check by the beneficial bacteria that dominate the gut ecosystem. However, when the microbial balance is disrupted or the immune system is weakened, these opportunistic bacteria can multiply and potentially lead to infection or other health issues.
This stool test measures:
Potential Autoimmune Triggers
An imbalance in the gut microbiome (called ‘dysbiosis’) has been associated with autoimmune diseases, particularly, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and autoimmune liver disease.
This stool test measures:
Fungi & Yeast
This test looks for evidence of candida or other yeast overgrowth. Whilst yeasts are a normal inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract, they may become an opportunistic pathogen after disruption of the mucosal barrier, imbalance of the normal intestinal flora or impaired immunity. This can be caused by things like antibiotics, antacids and stress.
This stool test measures:
Bacterial Pathogens
This panel also looks for evidence of other bacteria which may be pathogenic in nature, such as C.Diff, Citrobacter and Klebsiella.
This stool test measures:
Helicobacter Pylori
H. pylori is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach lining and is associated with various gastrointestinal conditions, including gastritis, peptic ulcers, and stomach cancer.
This stool test measures:
Viral Pathogens
Viral stool pathogens are types of viruses that can cause gastrointestinal infections and are shed in the stool. These viruses can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected individual.
This stool test measures:
Normal Bacterial Gut Flora
Normal bacterial gut flora, also known as gut microbiota or gut microbiome, refers to the diverse community of bacteria that naturally inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of a healthy individual. These bacteria play crucial roles in digestion, metabolism, immune function, and overall health.
This stool test measures:
Test instructions
Your stool test kit and all instructions are posted directly to you, and there is no need to visit a collection centre.
Mail your sample back to the lab using the prepaid envelope and packaging.
Results for this test available in 2 weeks from being received and will be published in your online dashboard.
After receiving the results of your health check (particularly the Microbiome, Nutriton, Essential Fatty Acids, FODMAP or SIBO Check), you may want to consider a nutritional assessment of your results by a Clinical Nutritionist.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that infects the stomach, and is now known to be a major cause of peptic ulcer disease. One third of the population are believed to carry the bug, but many don’t realise they have it.
Some gut problems can be a consequence of an undetected gut infection. A significant number of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) cases could actually be due to undiagnosed gut pathogens.
