FAQs
The Microbiome
The Microbiome is a collection of all the microbes (bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi) in and on the body. In other words, the complete cluster of microbes present within your gut is known as the gut microbiome.
Our gut is home to both good and bad microbes. When the bad microbes outweigh the good microbes, it can lead to an imbalanced gut microbiome.
The gut microbiome contributes extensively in keeping us healthy. Its functions include:
- Promoting immunity
- Fighting the bad guys - pathogens
- Digesting parts of the diet (such as fiber) that we cannot break down
- Generating nutrients and vitamins, that are important for health
- Helping in the development and function of the brain
- Facilitating mental health
- Promoting skin health
- Supporting general well-being
- Assisting in recovery from an illness
- Aiding in quick muscle recovery post workouts
Who can take the test?
The test is for everyone who wants to understand their gut microbiome. However, the gut microbiome is affected by changes such as antibiotic use, a bacterial or a viral infection, excessive alcohol consumption in last few hours and travel. The changes in the gut microbiome are temporary and the microbiome rebuilds itself after you are back to your normal routine.
Hence, we recommend you not to take the test if you have:
Hence, we recommend you not to take the test if you have:
- Consumed antibiotics couple of weeks prior to the test, or if you are currently on an antibiotic regimen
- Had fever or had viral/bacterial infection 7 days prior to the test
- Consumed alcohol/recreational drugs 48 hours prior to the test
We recommend you to collect the sample before or after your menstrual cycle.
The test can be ideally taken at intervals of 6 months.
No, since the microbiome varies greatly during pregnancy, we recommend you to wait until after you deliver your baby.
The test is recommended for people above the age of 18.
miGQ® Kit and sample collection
After you book the test, we send you a kit to collect your stool sample, which comes with a detailed instruction leaflet. Additionally, you can track all the activities pertaining to your order on your MRPL dashboard.
The miGQ® kit includes everything you need to collect your stool sample. The kit includes:. The kit includes:
If you have received a kit with any missing components, please get in touch with us at info@microbiome.in, or call us on +91 96580 05959.
- A collection tube
- Feces catcher - a flushable toilet paper for stool collection
- An instructions manual
If you have received a kit with any missing components, please get in touch with us at info@microbiome.in, or call us on +91 96580 05959.
Yes, our materials are completely non-toxic but should be kept out of reach of children.
Worry not! The stool test is completely non-invasive.
No! You need not come down to our lab at any point; everything that you need to do happens at the ease and privacy of your home.
We recommend you to collect the first stool sample of the day.
No, the sample tube can be stored at room temperature in a clean, dry area.
We advise you to book your sample pickup for the day when you plan to collect your sample. But in case you miss booking, fret not! The liquid in the stool collection tube keeps your stool sample preserved until it reaches our lab.
Test details and report
This is a wellness test and should not be substituted for a diagnostic test or medical advise.
We only collect microbial DNA and process it using Next Generation Sequencing. The test output further undergoes microbial characterization and interpretation of their functional traits.
Your sample is processed at our in-house lab facility in Mumbai.
Your report will be available based on the turn around time of the package you have selected.
For miGQ® Comprehensive Test = 21 days from when we receive your sample
For miGQ® Lite Test = 30 days from when we receive your sample
For miGQ® Comprehensive Test = 21 days from when we receive your sample
For miGQ® Lite Test = 30 days from when we receive your sample
Our report allows you to understand what types of microbes exist in your body and their roles in your gut.
Yes, you can view the report once you log in to your account on the MRPL website.
The food recommended is based on a proprietary algorithm which primarily takes your gut microbiome profile into consideration to make dietary recommendations.
The gut microbiome can be influenced to your benefit with the right diet and nutrition; however, it is dynamic in nature and requires constant care. We thereby advise you to periodically retest your gut microbiome to keep the recommendations up-to-date.
Have queries?
Let's gut in touch!