Gut Health Stool Test

Gut Health Stool Test from YorkTest Laboratories, checks the status of your gut health by providing an ecological profile of the micro-organisms present in your gut - giving you information and guidance on changing your lifestyle to improve your digestive health.

The ability to digest and absorb nutrients from food effectively is one of the cornerstones of good health. Poor gut function can contribute to symptoms often associated with digestive disorders, such as IBS, bloating, wind and abdominal cramps.

The Gut Health Test is a service that helps monitor the status of your gut health and provides you with detailed information to help you to optimise your digestive health.

• Checks the status of your gut and whether you are properly absorbing nutrients
• Quick and easy-to-use home test
• Can help relieve symptoms such as IBS, bloating, wind, loose stools or constipation and abdominal cramps
• Your laboratory-analysed results are presented as a detailed chart that can be handed to your GP
• Receive a personalised plan based on your test results with in depth advice on diet and lifestyle changes, written by a BANT qualified nutritionist
• A 30 minute telephone consultation with a BANT qualified nutritionist who will go through your results in detail, working with you to develop a new diet plan
• A gut health guidebook includes general advice and support information 
• Test results in just 15 days!

Find out if you have healthy digestion by taking this proven stool test.

The Gut Health Stool Test is a service that helps monitor the status of your gut health and provides detailed information to help optimise your digestive health.

Gut Health Stool Test is a comprehensive gut profile which includes testing for many different bacteria strains, the presence of yeast and moulds, and also the presence of undigested carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

How does the Gut Health Test work?

YorkTest developed this Gut Health test based on a single stool sample. They test for different bacteria strains looking at both good and harmful bacteria. They look for yeast and moulds, undigested carbohydrates, fats, proteins and physical factors. The delicate balance between the micro-organisms in your gut is crucial to gut health, and the test will be able to define your unique profile, indicating what you can do to improve the health and function of your digestion.

Is the Gut Health Test for me?

If you have endured prolonged gastro-intestinal problems such as constipation, IBS and stomach cramps, you may consider taking the Gut Health test to gain an insight into how your lifestyle and eating habits can contribute to the symptoms you have been suffering.

How is the test carried out?

YorkTest will supply you with all that you need to carry out the Gut Health Stool Test in the comfort of your own home. The test requires a single stool sample, there is no need to go to a clinic or visit a doctor. The test is very quick and easy to carry out yourself.

Taking the Gut Health Test

Your Gut Health Test kit will contain everything you need to take the test in four easy steps:

1. Fill in the enclosed customer details form and write your name and date clearly on the side of the collection tube with the pen provided. Wear the gloves enclosed for the remaining steps.

2. Stick the paper strip onto the toilet seat to collect your stool sample. Be careful not to contaminate with urine.

3. Using the spoon attached to the brown lid, take eight ‘pea sized’ samples from different parts of your stool. Ensure the tube is no more than 3 /4 full and close the container.

4. Immediately place the collection tube inside the larger container tube. Place this and the form in the prepaid envelope provided and return to us the same day.

View a results example.

View an ecogram results example.

Gut Health: Stool Test - FAQs

Q. When will I receive my results?
A.  It will take 10-12 working days to send your results back to you by post, presented as a detailed chart. Also included will be: 

• Your unique ‘Gut Health Index’ score that shows you how far you can still go in optimising your gut health, and help you monitor improvements
• A personalised plan based on the results of the test, compiled by a physician, with in-depth advice on dietand lifestyle changes that are specific to your particular Gut Health Index profile
• A Gut Health Guide brochure which includes general advice and support information
• A free telephone consultation with a qualified Nutritionist registered with the British Association of Nutritional Therapists 

Q. What do the test results look like?
A.  The results are easy to understand – they are clearly laid out and fully explained.

Q. What is in the test kit?
A.  The test kit is sent in a tough, secure box which contains: 

• Fully illustrated and complete instructions
• A pair of latex gloves
• A paper stool collector
• A stool collection tube
• A container tube with absorbent pad
• A reply-paid envelope for you to return the sample in 

Q. What am I going to have to send you?
A.  You will use the kit to collect a number of samples from your stool, putting these into the collection tube. This is then placed inside the containment tube. Follow all the instructions closely, complete the customer details form and send everything back in the reply-paid envelope.

Q. How do I complete the test kit?
A.  Full, illustrated instructions will be sent with the kit.

Q. How do I prepare for the test?
A.  Before you conduct the test: you must stop taking all oral and systemic (injected) anti-fungals for at least one week. If you have any concerns about doing this, please consult your GP or Healthcare practitioner. You also need to ensure that you do not eat any foods that are, or are made using fungi, such as mushrooms or blue cheeses (stilton, camembert etc) the day before you take your sample.

Q. Is posting back my sample safe?
A.  The box that contains your kit is very strong – in all the years that the laboratory have operated they have never had any problems with tests being damaged in transit. Return your sample following the instructions, and it will be completely safe.

Q. Will any medication or nutritional supplements I am taking affect the test? 
A.You cannot take any of our tests if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or taking steroids or immunosuppressants.

Q. How soon do I have to return my sample? 
A. You should ideally post your sample back to the laboratory on the same day that you take it. This stops the sample from degrading over time and gives the most accurate results.

You will also need to avoid posting the sample later in the week to make sure that it arrives on a working day and processing can begin immediately.

IMPORTANT: You should not take the Gut Health Stool Test if you are pregnant or are suffering with a blood borne disease such as HIV or Hepatitis B. The test is also unsuitable for children under the age of two years old.

PLEASE NOTE: The Gut Health Stool Test does not test for cancer, ulcers or specific food allergies or food intolerances. Do not eat any products made by using fungi such as stilton, camembert and kefir. You must stop taking all anti fungals one week prior to taking your sample. Please consult your GP or healthcare practitioner if you have any concerns. 

Please note that Gut Health: Stool Test is available in the UK and Ireland only