Gut microbiome

Only for Germany and Austria

• We would like to point out that these tests and the shipping processes are optimized for Germany and Austria and are prepaid.
• Samples must be delivered to the German laboratory within 4 days. This cannot be guaranteed for samples shipped from other countries!
• Orders from countries other than Germany and Austria are therefore at your own risk. In this case, we only accept the payment method "Prepayment (directly to us)", as customers cannot then cancel the purchase, e.g., because the sample arrived at the laboratory unusable through their own fault. Purchases made with any other payment methods that customers could unlawfully reverse will be immediately canceled and refunded.
• You can find more information about this from the manufacturer!

On the assessment and evaluation of the gut microbiome

The intestinal microbiome refers to the totality of all microorganisms colonising the gut. A balanced ratio of gut bacteria is essential for human health. This is because, as numerous studies have shown, an imbalance in the gut microbiome is associated with various diseases. These include metabolic syndrome, diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, bowel cancer, calcium oxalate kidney stones, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and neurological disorders.

The so-called next-generation sequencing method has so far only been used in a scientific context to detect imbalances in the gut flora. In contrast to conventional stool diagnostics, it covers not only a limited range of gut bacteria but also the molecular genetic analysis of the entire bacterial intestinal microbiome. Furthermore, the effects of an individual’s highly complex microbiota on resistance to colonisation, digestive processes, the absorption of nutrients and vitamins, and immunity can be assessed more precisely.

The analysis even detects anaerobic bacteria that cannot be cultured. The standard for microbiological stool diagnostics in the 20th century was based primarily on culture techniques, using nutrient media followed by enzymatic differentiation. However, very few anaerobic bacteria (approximately 99 per cent of gut bacteria) grow using culture-based methods. In recent years, there has been rapid development in diagnostic methods. In modern laboratories, the identification of bacteria from cultures on nutrient media is now largely carried out using mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF = Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation-Time of Flight) or directly from the submitted sample using molecular biological methods (PCR = Polymerase Chain Reaction). A drawback, however, is that PCR is a highly selective and cost-intensive technology.

The microbiome data and the associated expertise can be updated and expanded at regular intervals in future, so that new findings are reflected in the report.

The molecular genetic analysis comprises the

• analysis of the species diversity of the intestinal microbiome (diversity)
• assessment of bacterial dysbiosis
• Determination of the enterotype
• Frequency distribution of the most significant bacterial strains>
• Determination of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio
• Assessment of the mucoprotective flora
• Analysis of risk factors for dysbiosis-associated diseases

The test kit comprises:

• 1 sample collection guide
• 1 set of instructions for accessing results
• 1 sample accompanying form
• 1 guarantee certificate
• 1 sample container, including label, in a shipping container
• 1 microbiome sample tube with label in a shipping container
• 1 stool collection cup
• 1 shipping container
• 1 dispatch envelope

How does the ordering process work?

Once you have placed your order, the test kit you have chosen will be sent to you along with detailed instructions. You place your sample in a sample tube, send it in the provided envelope to Mediveres’ partner laboratory, GANZIMMUN Diagnostics GmbH, and will receive your results, including an assessment of your profile, within 5–7 days.