How to Prepare?

A good preparation is important for obtaining reliable and valuable results from your microbiome test. Follow the guidelines below to be well-prepared and get the most out of your test.

Rest assured:

It’s completely normal to feel concerned about taking a stool sample. We want to reassure you: the test is simple, hygienic, and fully safe. You’ll receive everything you need in the test kit, and our team is here to support you every step of the way. You can trust that your test will be carried out carefully and that your results will be reliable. If you still have any doubts or questions, feel free to contact us.

9 Things to Pay Attention To

Track your diet, activities, and symptoms before your microbiome test
Wait to take the test if you have an acute gut infection (like stomach flu or diarrhea)
Stick to your normal habits
Wait at least 4-6 weeks after taking antibiotics before testing
Only continue using probiotics and prebiotics if they are part of your regular routine
Avoid recent changes in diet or lifestyle, such as a vacation abroad
Take your sample at an appropriate time

1. Track your diet, activities, and symptoms before your microbiome test

It is important to track your daily diet, physical activities, and any symptoms for two weeks before your test. This information is essential for interpreting your results and identifying factors that influence your microbiome. By gaining insight into your habits, we can create a detailed picture of your gut flora and see how your diet and lifestyle impact your health.

2. Wait if you have an acute gut infection (like stomach flu or diarrhea)

Are you dealing with an acute gut infection, like stomach flu or diarrhea? It’s best to postpone your microbiome test until you're fully recovered. Infections can temporarily disrupt your microbiome, making the test results potentially not representative of your normal gut flora. Wait at least two weeks after your symptoms have gone before taking the test.

3. Stick to your normal habits

Do you take any daily medications or supplements? It's important to continue using them as usual. Suddenly stopping medications or supplements can cause a disrupted microbiome and may affect the test results. To get the most accurate picture of your gut flora, stick to your usual habits.

4. Wait after a course of antibiotics before testing

Have you recently completed a course of antibiotics? It’s recommended to wait before taking the microbiome test until at least 4-6 weeks have passed since your last dose of antibiotics. Antibiotics can temporarily disrupt your gut flora, making the test results less representative of your normal situation. Waiting ensures that your microbiome has recovered, leading to more reliable results.

5. Only continue using probiotics and prebiotics if they are part of your regular routine

Do you regularly use probiotics or prebiotics? If these supplements are part of your daily routine, you can continue using them. However, if you've recently started using them to improve your microbiome and they are not yet part of your usual routine, stop using probiotics and prebiotics at least one week before the test. These supplements can temporarily influence your microbiome and affect the test results.

6. Avoid recent changes in diet or lifestyle

Try not to make any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle for at least two weeks before your microbiome test. Even a vacation, especially one lasting longer than a week outside of Europe, can have a significant impact on your microbiome. Sudden changes can interfere with your results and give a distorted picture of your usual gut flora. Maintaining a stable lifestyle is crucial for a representative test.

7. Collect your sample at an appropriate time

For the most accurate results, choose a quiet moment to collect your sample. Make sure you have enough time and feel comfortable. A relaxed environment helps ensure a careful and hygienic sample collection, which is essential for reliable test results.

8. Follow the instructions carefully

Read the included instructions carefully and follow them step by step. A correct sample collection is crucial for obtaining reliable results. Make sure to collect and send the sample in the proper way to ensure your test results are as accurate as possible. If you have any doubts, feel free to contact us for further clarification.

9. Test during fluctuating symptoms for more insights into your microbiome

If you experience fluctuating symptoms, such as stomach pain or diarrhea, it can be helpful to take the test when you have symptoms. This provides valuable insights into how your microbiome responds during symptoms. For an even more complete picture, you might consider testing twice: once when you have few symptoms and once during the symptoms. This gives a broader overview of how your microbiome functions.

Prepration microbiome test