This is our most comprehensive gut health screening panel which includes a Complete Microbiome Mapping, a Food Intolerance Check, the Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut) Check, and also a SIBO breath test.
The Complete Microbiome Mapping Test is an advanced diagnostic tool designed to analyse and provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual's gut microbiome. The gut microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms that lives in the gut. This cutting-edge test uses state-of-the-art sequencing technologies to examine the genetic material of the microbial population, providing insights into the composition and function of the gut microbiome.
The large intestine is packed with bacteria, whilst the small intestine typically contains very few bacteria. If the small intestine becomes overgrown with bacteria it can lead to malabsorption of key nutrients, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, fatigue, malabsorption of nutrients and weight loss. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is also thought to be a possible factor in some cases of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
A food intolerance response takes place in the gut, and it occurs when you are unable to properly breakdown the food. This could be due to enzyme deficiencies, sensitivity to food additives or reactions to naturally occurring chemicals in foods. Often people can eat small amounts of the food without causing problems.
The Food Intolerance Check assesses your response to 96 foods. Your blood is screened for IgG antibodies to these foods using the ELISA method.
This is a finger prick blood spot test that doesn't require a visit to a collection centre.
Note that The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) does not recommend IgG food intolerance testing as a diagnostic tool for food-related symptoms. According to ASCIA, the presence of IgG antibodies to specific foods does not prove the existence of a clinical intolerance or sensitivity. Clinical evaluation, medical history, and elimination diets are the preferred methods for identifying food intolerances or sensitivities.
The lining of the intestine and gut microbiome make the gut highly selective in absorbing specific nutrients. When this gut lining is compromised, unwanted substances can cross the barrier and activate an immune response. The test works on the principle that small molecules are readily absorbed by the gut and excreted in the urine, whilst larger molecules are not. Under normal circumstances the ratio of large molecules to small molecules is low. Where ‘leaky gut’ is present, the larger molecules are found to penetrate the gut lining and are detected in the urine.
Note this test CANNOT BE PERFORMED IF YOU ARE A DIABETIC with a fasting urine glucose level over 6mmol/L.
This urine test assesses levels of a synthetic sugar and mannitol that can be used to monitor improvements or deterioration in intestinal permeability.
This urine test measures:
SIBO Lactulose Breath Test
The lactulose test is used to measure oro-caecal transit time (OCTT) - this is the time interval between ingestion of lactulose and rise in breath hydrogen. Prolonged OCTT has been associated with SIBO.
This lactulose breath test measures:
Faecal Macroscopy
Macroscopy looks at stool colour and formation, as well as for evidence of mucous or blood which may require further investigation.
This stool test measures:
Short Chain Fatty Acids
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced by gut bacteria through the fermentation of dietary fibre. They have numerous benefits for gut health, including serving as an energy source for colon cells, maintaining the gut barrier function, reducing inflammation, regulating appetite, modulating the immune response, and protecting against pathogens.
This stool test measures:
Gastrointestinal Functional Markers
This stool test measures:
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 an 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 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 typically available in 2 weeks and will be published in your online dashboard.
As well as analysing your beneficial and pathogenic bacteria, our comprehensive microbiome test also includes testing for parasites and yeast overgrowth, and also provides an assessment of your digestive markers. This holistic picture provides actionable insights to help you improve your gut health.
There are medical explanations and labels for many gut problems, but the big exception is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Since many gut disorders have similar symptoms to IBS, ruling out a more serious underlying gut disease is an important first step.
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 such as Blastocystis hominis and Dientamoeba fragilis.
