FAQs
The Microbiome
Microbiome is a collection of all the microbes (bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi) in and on the body. In other words, complete cluster of microbes present within your gut is known as the gut microbiome.
Your gut is home to both good and bad microbes. It's 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 get their gut tested. 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 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
- Had fever or had viral/bacterial infection 7 days prior to the test
- Had consumed alcohol/recreational drugs 24 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 during pregnancy, we recommend you to wait until you deliver your baby.
The test is recommended for people above the age of 18.
Covid-19 affects the gut microbiome. Hence, we recommend you wait for 14 days from the date of recovery before you take the gut microbiome test.
Since there is little evidence on the effect of covid vaccination on gut microbiome, we recommend you wait for 2 weeks before you take the test.
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 a stool sample and send it back to Microbiome Research. The kit includes:
If you have received a kit with missing components, please get in touch with us @ info@microbiome.in, or call us @ +91 96580 05959.
- A collection tube with an attached spoon for stool collection
- A flushable toilet paper for stool collection
- A return box
- An instruction sheet
If you have received a kit with missing components, please get in touch with us @ info@microbiome.in, or call us @ +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 not invasive. However, if you book a blood test, a certified professional will come to your house to collect your blood sample.
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.
It is preferable to collect the first stool sample.
Once you have activated the kit, book a sample pick up through our dashboard and collect the stool sample. Handover the collected sample in the return box (included in the kit) to our delivery partner.
Fret not! The liquid in the container keeps the stool sample as it is. But we advise you to pre-book a sample pick-up for the same day as the stool is collected.
Test details and report
Oh no! This is a wellness test, not to be used to replace diagnostic tests.
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.
miGQ® report will be available within 45 days from the date of sample collection.
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 food recommendations are based on the gut microbiome. If it is not mentioned in the food to be limited sections, it is likely that the food is acceptable for your gut microbiome.
The consumption of essential probiotics must be accommodated in your diet from the point of implementation; however, the restore probiotics can be continued as a daily supplement since these probiotics do not live in your gut forever.
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!