Microbiome Test FAQ Canada | Ordering, Samples & Results

Frequently Asked Questions

Microbiome Test FAQ

Find clear answers about ordering, stool sample collection, Canadian shipping, laboratory processing, microbiome reports, privacy and customer support.

Review the questions below before ordering. The instructions supplied with your individual kit take priority over general website information.

At-home gut microbiome test kit with collection materials and instructions

Find your question

Before ordering

Learn what the test is, what it costs, what sample is required and what to review before purchasing.

Collection and shipping

Review sample collection, packaging, Canadian delivery, return shipping and damaged-kit questions.

Results and limitations

Understand turnaround times, report access, interpretation and when professional medical advice is more appropriate.

Gut microbiome test kit contents and sample collection instructions

Important information before you begin

  • The test requires an at-home stool sample.
  • Follow the instructions supplied with your kit carefully.
  • Laboratory turnaround begins after the sample reaches the laboratory.
  • Shipping time is not included in laboratory turnaround.
  • The report is educational and is not a medical diagnosis.
  • Do not stop medication or delay medical care because of the test.

Before ordering

What is the Gut Microbiome Test?

The Gut Microbiome Test is an at-home test that examines bacterial composition in a submitted stool sample.

Depending on the current report format, results may include information about bacteria detected in the sample, relative abundance, microbiome diversity and educational food or lifestyle guidance.

It is not intended to diagnose or treat a medical condition.

What sample is required?

The test requires a small stool sample collected at home using the materials supplied with the kit.

Read the complete instructions before collection and use only the collection container, labels and packaging provided or approved for your test.

Do I need to visit a clinic?

Standard sample collection is completed at home. A clinic visit is not normally required for the collection process.

Contact support before collection if you are unable to follow a step or are uncertain whether the test is appropriate for you.

How much does the test cost?

The current retail test price is shown on the product and checkout pages. Review the complete order total before payment, including the test price, kit charge where applicable, taxes and shipping.

Prices and promotions may change, so the amount displayed and confirmed during checkout applies to the order.

Review current pricing information

What should I review before ordering?

Before purchasing, review:

  • The product description and current price
  • The required stool sample
  • The sample report or report information
  • Canadian shipping and return arrangements
  • The estimated laboratory turnaround
  • The privacy policy and terms
  • The educational and non-diagnostic limitations
Can I purchase the test for another person?

The person whose sample is submitted must understand and consent to the testing, unless another person has lawful authority to provide consent on their behalf.

Contact support before ordering for a minor or for someone who cannot provide their own informed consent.

Sample collection

How do I collect the sample?

Follow the collection guide supplied with the kit. Collect only the requested amount, close the container securely and complete any required labels, forms or registration steps.

Avoid introducing urine, toilet water, cleaning products or other foreign material into the sample.

Should I read the instructions before opening the kit?

Yes. Read the complete instructions first so that you understand collection timing, labelling, packaging, storage and return requirements.

Contact support before collecting the sample if an instruction is missing or unclear.

Should I change my diet before collecting the sample?

Do not make a special dietary change solely for the test unless the instructions supplied with your kit specifically tell you to do so.

The report reflects the bacteria detected in the submitted sample at that point in time.

What if I recently took antibiotics, probiotics or medication?

Antibiotics, probiotics, medications, supplements, illness, diet and collection timing may affect microbiome patterns.

Do not stop or change prescribed medication for this test. Ask a qualified healthcare professional if you have a medical question about timing or medication.

What happens if the sample cannot be processed?

A sample may be unsuitable if it is insufficient, leaking, contaminated, incorrectly labelled, damaged or collected outside the instructions.

Support will explain the next step if recollection or a replacement kit is required. Any applicable replacement, laboratory or shipping charge should be confirmed before proceeding.

What should I do if something is missing from the kit?

Do not begin collection until you have confirmed that all required materials are present.

Contact support with your order number and a description or photograph of the kit contents.

Do not use damaged collection materials

Do not collect a sample with materials that appear opened, damaged, leaking, contaminated or incomplete.

Contact support and include your order number, delivery details, a description of the problem and photographs where possible.

Shipping and delivery

How much is standard shipping within Canada?

Standard postal shipping is currently CAD $15 per kit.

Shipping rates may change, so the amount displayed during checkout or confirmed with your order will apply.

Is courier delivery available?

Courier delivery may be available through providers such as DHL, FedEx or UPS.

Courier availability and price depend on the destination and service level. A quotation must be confirmed and paid before dispatch.

Can I order from a rural or remote Canadian address?

Orders may be delivered to urban, rural and remote Canadian addresses where postal or courier service is available.

Remote locations may require additional transit time. Contact support before ordering when delivery timing is important.

Will I receive tracking information?

Tracking information is provided where it is available for the selected shipping service.

Some standard postal services may provide limited tracking. Keep any tracking number until delivery is confirmed.

Is return shipping included?

Return arrangements and any applicable return-postage charge depend on the test kit and destination.

Follow the return instructions supplied inside your kit and use the stated laboratory return address. Contact support before mailing the sample if the instructions do not clearly explain the return method or cost.

What happens if I entered the wrong delivery address?

Contact support immediately. An address may not be changeable after the package has been dispatched.

If the shipment is returned or must be sent again because of an incorrect address, refusal or failure to collect it, an additional shipping charge may apply.

What should I do if the package is delayed?

Check the available tracking information first.

If the package has stopped moving or is significantly delayed, contact support with your order number, delivery address and tracking number.

Laboratory processing and reports

How long do results take?

The indicative laboratory turnaround is 15 to 20 working days after the stool sample reaches the correct laboratory and is accepted for processing.

The period does not begin when you place the order, receive the kit or mail the sample.

Is shipping time included in the 15–20 working days?

No. Delivery of the kit to you and return transit from you to the laboratory are separate from laboratory processing.

Carrier delays, holidays, weather, remote-area access and service interruptions may affect the overall time.

What information may appear in the report?

The report may include information such as:

  • Bacteria detected in the submitted sample
  • Relative bacterial abundance
  • Microbiome diversity or species-richness information
  • Educational explanations of reported patterns
  • Food, nutrition or lifestyle guidance related to the report

Report sections and presentation may change as laboratory methods and reporting practices develop.

Will my report look exactly like the sample report?

Not necessarily. A sample report demonstrates the general type of layout and educational information that may be provided.

Your findings, categories, wording, charts and section order may differ.

Is the microbiome report a medical diagnosis?

No. The report is intended for informational and educational purposes.

It should not be used as a diagnosis, treatment plan, prescription or replacement for care from a qualified healthcare professional.

Can the test explain my digestive symptoms?

The report may describe bacterial patterns in the submitted sample, but it cannot guarantee an explanation for bloating, pain, constipation, diarrhea or another symptom.

Many medical and non-medical factors can affect digestive symptoms. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment.

Should I change medication, supplements or my diet because of the report?

Do not stop or change prescribed medication solely because of the report.

Do not begin an extreme or unnecessarily restrictive diet based only on microbiome findings. Discuss important medical or dietary changes with an appropriately qualified professional.

When should I contact a healthcare professional instead of customer support?

Customer support can help with orders, kits, shipping, report access and general process questions.

Contact a qualified healthcare professional for symptoms, diagnosis, medication, treatment, pregnancy-related questions or concerns about whether testing is medically appropriate. Seek urgent medical care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Important report limitation

A microbiome report is a snapshot of the submitted sample and depends on sample quality, collection timing, laboratory methods and the reference information used.

Microbiome science and interpretation continue to develop. The report should therefore be read as educational information rather than definitive medical evidence.

Privacy, orders and support

How is my personal and testing information handled?

The order and testing process may involve contact, delivery, payment, sample-related and report information.

Review the Privacy Policy and Privacy and Data page before ordering.

Contact support before purchasing if you need specific information about third-party laboratories, report access, storage, retention, correction or deletion.

What information should I provide when contacting support?

Include the information relevant to the request, such as:

  • Your order number or case reference
  • The name used for the order
  • Your email address and telephone number
  • The delivery address
  • The tracking number, when available
  • A clear description of the problem
  • Photographs of damaged or missing kit components
Can I change or cancel an order?

Contact support as soon as possible. Changes or cancellation may not be possible after the order has been processed, prepared, dispatched, registered or submitted for laboratory work.

Review the Terms and Conditions for applicable cancellation and refund information. Mandatory consumer rights remain unaffected.

What if I entered the wrong email address?

Contact support promptly with your order number, correct email address and other information needed to verify the order.

Accurate email access may be needed for order messages, shipping updates, support communication or report-access information.

Where can I get help?

Use the Contact Support page for questions about ordering, shipping, damaged kits, sample return, report access or website information.

Customer support cannot provide medical diagnosis or treatment advice.

Related pages

How It Works

Review the complete process from ordering and stool sample collection to laboratory processing and report access.

Open process page

Shipping Across Canada

Review standard shipping charges, courier options, tracking, remote delivery and sample-return information.

Open shipping page

Sample Microbiome Report

Review the type of report layout, bacterial information and educational guidance that may be provided.

Open report page

Privacy and Data

Review privacy information and contact support about report access, third-party processing or data questions.

Open privacy page

Still have a question?

Contact support before ordering when you need clarification about the kit, sample collection, shipping, report access, privacy or the limitations of the test.

You can also review how the test works, check shipping information or view the sample report page.

Customer support for gut microbiome test ordering and report questions