How the Gut Microbiome Test Works | Microbiome Test Canada

How It Works

How the Gut Microbiome Test Works

Order your kit online, collect a small stool sample at home, return it to the laboratory and receive an educational report about the bacteria detected in your sample.

The kit includes collection materials, packaging and instructions to guide you through each stage.

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

The process at a glance

1. Order the kit

Review the test details, report example, price and shipping information before placing your order.

2. Collect at home

Follow the enclosed instructions to collect a small stool sample using the materials supplied with the kit.

3. Receive your report

After the sample is analysed, you will receive instructions for accessing your microbiome report.

Gut microbiome test kit contents, collection container, packaging and instructions

What is included in the process?

  • At-home stool sample collection materials
  • Instructions for collecting and labelling the sample
  • Protective packaging for the collected sample
  • Laboratory analysis of bacterial DNA in the sample
  • An educational gut microbiome report
  • Customer support for order, kit and report-access questions

Kit contents and return arrangements may change. Always follow the instructions supplied with your individual kit.

Step-by-step process

1

Review the test before ordering

Read the product description, current price, shipping details and report limitations before purchasing.

The test is designed to provide educational information about the bacterial composition detected in a stool sample. It is not a diagnostic medical test.

Preview the sample report before ordering so that you understand the report format and level of detail.

2

Place your order

Enter an accurate name, email address, telephone number and complete Canadian delivery address.

Review the order carefully before payment. Incorrect delivery or contact information can delay kit dispatch, delivery or report access.

An order confirmation will be sent using the contact information provided during checkout.

3

Receive and inspect the kit

When the kit arrives, confirm that the package and collection materials are present and appear undamaged.

Read all instructions before collecting the sample. Complete any identification, consent, registration or activation steps included with the kit.

Contact support before collection if anything is missing, damaged or unclear.

4

Collect the stool sample

Use the collection materials supplied with the kit to obtain the required stool sample.

Avoid touching the inside of the collection container or introducing water, urine, cleaning products or other foreign material into the sample.

Collect only the amount requested, close the container securely and complete all required labels or forms.

5

Package and return the sample

Place the collection container into the protective packaging exactly as described in the kit instructions.

Use the laboratory return address supplied inside the kit. Do not send the sample to another office or address unless support has instructed you to do so.

Follow the stated timing, storage and mailing requirements. Keep your receipt and tracking number when tracking is available.

Visit the Shipping and Delivery page for general Canadian shipping information.

6

The laboratory receives the sample

Laboratory turnaround begins only after the sample reaches the correct laboratory, is matched to the order and is accepted for processing.

Time spent delivering the kit to you and returning the sample to the laboratory is not included in the laboratory turnaround period.

A sample may require recollection if it is insufficient, damaged, contaminated, incorrectly labelled or collected outside the instructions.

7

The sample is analysed

The laboratory analyses bacterial DNA found in the stool sample to estimate the composition and relative abundance of bacteria detected.

Laboratory procedures also include data processing and quality review before the report is issued.

The indicative turnaround is 15 to 20 working days from receipt of an acceptable sample at the laboratory.

8

Receive and review your report

You will be notified using the contact or report-access method associated with your order when the report is ready.

Depending on the current report format, sections may include bacterial composition, species richness, microbiome diversity, nutrition-related information and educational food or lifestyle guidance.

Report content and section order may change as laboratory methods, databases and scientific interpretation develop.

Understanding the 15–20-working-day turnaround

The stated turnaround begins after the laboratory receives and accepts the sample. It does not begin when the order is placed, when the kit is dispatched or when you mail the sample.

Not included: delivery of the kit to your address and return transit to the laboratory.

Included: laboratory processing, analysis, quality review and report preparation.

Turnaround periods are estimates. An unsuitable sample, repeat analysis, holidays, laboratory workload or another operational issue may cause a delay.

Before collecting your sample

The instructions included with your kit take priority over general website information.

  • Read the entire collection guide first.
  • Check whether registration or activation is required.
  • Confirm that labels and forms match the person being tested.
  • Plan when and how you will return the sample.
  • Do not use damaged or previously opened collection materials.
  • Contact support before collection when an instruction is unclear.
Customer reading gut microbiome stool sample collection instructions

What happens if the sample cannot be processed?

Insufficient sample

The laboratory may be unable to complete analysis if the submitted amount is too small or does not meet the kit requirements.

Collection or packaging problem

Leakage, contamination, incorrect labelling or failure to follow the instructions may make recollection necessary.

Support will explain the next step

If recollection is required, support will explain the available replacement process and whether any kit, laboratory or shipping charge applies.

What the report can and cannot tell you

What it can provide

  • A snapshot of bacteria detected in the submitted stool sample
  • Information about bacterial composition and relative abundance
  • Educational information about diversity and species richness
  • Food and lifestyle information related to the reported patterns

What it cannot provide

  • A complete picture of every microorganism in the digestive system
  • A guaranteed explanation for symptoms
  • A medical diagnosis
  • A prescription or treatment plan
  • A reason to stop or change medication without professional advice

Important health information

The microbiome report is provided for informational and educational purposes. It does not replace an examination, diagnosis, treatment plan or advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Do not stop medication, begin a restrictive diet, delay medical care or make a treatment decision solely because of a microbiome report.

Speak with a qualified healthcare professional if you have persistent, severe, worsening or otherwise concerning symptoms.

Related pages

Shipping Across Canada

Review Canadian delivery options, sample-return information, remote-address planning and tracking expectations.

Open shipping page

Sample Microbiome Report

Preview the report structure, charts, educational sections and limitations before ordering.

View sample report

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers about ordering, sample collection, shipping, results, privacy and support.

Open FAQ

Common questions

What sample is required?

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

Do I need to visit a clinic?

The standard collection is completed at home. Follow the instructions supplied with the kit and contact support if you need help understanding a step.

How long does the test take?

The indicative laboratory turnaround is 15 to 20 working days after the sample reaches the laboratory and is accepted for processing. Delivery and return-shipping time are separate.

Should I change my diet before collecting the sample?

Do not make a special change solely for the test unless the instructions supplied with your kit specifically tell you to do so. The report reflects the submitted sample at that point in time.

What if I recently took antibiotics or medication?

Antibiotics, medications, supplements, illness, diet and other factors may influence microbiome patterns. Do not stop prescribed medication for the test. Ask a qualified healthcare professional when you have a medical question.

What if my sample is rejected?

Support will contact you if the laboratory determines that the sample cannot be processed. A replacement sample may be required, and support will explain any applicable charges before proceeding.

Will the report diagnose a medical condition?

No. The report provides educational information about the bacterial patterns detected in the sample. It is not a diagnosis or substitute for professional medical care.

Will my report look exactly like the sample report?

Not necessarily. The sample report demonstrates the general type of content and layout. Sections, wording, reference information and recommendations may change.

Ready to begin?

Review the test details, current price and shipping information, then place your order using an accurate Canadian delivery address.

Before ordering, you can also view the sample report, review shipping information or read the frequently asked questions.

Customer ordering an at-home gut microbiome test kit online