GutIQ Stool Test

GutIQ offers a comprehensive assessment of gastrointestinal function, microbial balance, and pathogen status from a single stool sample. It measures key markers of digestion, immunity, gut barrier integrity, and microbial metabolism, screens for bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal pathogens, and uses metagenomic sequencing to profile over 28,000 microbial species, functional pathways, and health risk associations.

It combines PCR, metagenomic (shotgun) sequencing technologies and stool macroscopy.

Available in the UK & Europe.

£374 Collection instructions

GutIQ Sample report PediatricBiome sample report BabyBiome sample report

What does GutIQ measure?

The GutIQ Profile offers a thorough assessment of gastrointestinal function, microbial balance, and pathogen status through a single stool sample. It covers functional markers including calprotectin, secretory IgA, zonulin, transglutaminase IgA, pancreatic elastase, beta-glucuronidase, and short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, acetate, propionate, valerate), providing insights into immune activity, digestive capacity, intestinal permeability, and microbial metabolic output.

Pathogen detection is extensive, spanning bacterial pathogens (including H. pylori with antibiotic resistance gene typing and virulence factor assessment), C. difficile toxins A and B, parasites and worms, viral pathogens, and a broad range of Candida species and other fungi. Blastocystis hominis is subtyped across nine variants.

The metagenomic shotgun sequencing component profiles over 28,000 microbial species, reporting on microbial phyla distribution, Shannon and Simpson diversity indices, beneficial flora, opportunistic bacteria, and microbiome functional pathways, including carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. Functional analysis also includes assessment of microbial biochemical activities such as histamine production, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) production, sulphate production, and trimethylamine (TMA) production, providing further insight into host-microbe interactions and metabolic health.

For the full list of markers, see below or check the sample report.

Digestive & Stool Assessment

Stool colour
Stool form
Mucous
Occult blood

Digestive Function & Gut Health

Microbiome function

Beneficial Bacteria

Akkermansia muciniphila
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
Bifidobacterium spp.
Lactobacillus spp.
Roseburia spp.
Bacteroides spp.
Prevotella spp.
Ruminococcus spp.
Plus many additional commensal species (>200 microbial markers total).

Gut Microbiome Analysis

Gut microbial diversity
Dominant bacterial phyla
Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes balance
Beneficial probiotic organisms
Commensal bacteria
Opportunistic bacteria
Keystone bacterial species
Pathobionts
Overall microbiome composition using shotgun metagenomic sequencing

Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)

Total beneficial SCFAs
Butyrate
Acetate
Propionate
Valerate

Parasites & Protozoa

Blastocystis Subtypes

Subtypes 1–9

Intestinal worms

Bacterial pathogens

H. pylori Analysis

Presence of H. pylori – H. pylori antigen
Clarithromycin resistance genes:
- A2142C
- A2142G
- A2143G
Virulence factors:
- babA
- cagA
- dupA
- iceA
- oipA
- vacA
- virB
- virD

Viral pathogens

Adenovirus 40/41
Astrovirus
Norovirus GI/GII
Rotavirus A
Sapovirus

Fungi & Yeasts

Who can benefit from the GutIQ comprehensive stool test?

GutIQ can be considered for those who present with gut complaints and chronic conditions such as:

Chronic digestive issues such as gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, fatty or floating stools, and fullness after eating
Autoimmune disease
Gut disorders such as IBS or IBD
Inflammation
Food sensitivities
Joint pain
Chronic or acute diarrhoea
Fever and vomiting
Abdominal pain

What sample is needed to complete the GutIQ test?

The GutIQ is analysed from 1 stool sample. Please read the full instructions here. Collection is easy: collect your stool and use the provided tools to gather some of it into three specimen tubes. The tubes are sent back to the lab via the provided, prepaid envelope and is analysed. Once the results are ready, I will share them with you by email.

Can infants and children benefit from the GI360 Complete?

Yes. GutIQ can be used in children and toddlers from the age of 2.

Postage and shipping

The price of the test includes postage to a UK address and a DHL return shipping to the UK hub, which will then ship your sample to the lab in the USA for analysis.

Extra shipping charges apply when shipping to Europe. Please get in touch for further details.

Please remember that the sample needs to be submitted to the lab before the kit expiration date, or a kit replacement fee of £15 will be charged. Please refer to Terms & Conditions, points 9 and 10.

What to be aware of before collecting the sample?

The GutIQ stool test kit will come with full instructions, but there are a few things to be aware of beforehand.

Never discontinue prescription medications without consulting your healthcare provider first.

It’s best to wait 4 weeks before collecting a sample if you’ve had a colonoscopy or barium enema.
Please wait 14 days after your last dose before collecting a sample if taking antibiotics, antiparasitics, antifungals, probiotic supplements (including products such as Acitiva®), Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and bismuth.
If you take a lactoferrin supplement, please stop taking it for 3 days before collecting a sample.
Refrain from taking the following for 3 days before collecting a sample:
- Aspirin or other NSAIDS
- Digestive enzymes
- Mineral oil, castor oil, laxatives such as Movicol or glycerin-based laxatives, enemas, or suppositories
- More than 250 mg daily of vitamin C
- Iron supplements
- Activated charcoal
- Bentonite clay
- Betaine HCl
- Antacids
Do not collect a sample while menstruating or actively bleeding from haemorrhoids.
If you require a laxative: If you have difficulty producing a stool sample, you may use magnesium citrate or a psyllium fibre-based laxative 24 hours before your planned collection time. Enemas may be given using distilled water only. Do not use suppositories or mineral oil.

I’m ready to collect my sample, what’s next?

Ideally, please collect your sample on Monday or Tuesday so that it reaches the lab in time. Wednesday is the last day the samples should be shipped.
Ship the samples to the lab at ambient temperature. If unable to ship on the same day as your collection, keep the sample
refrigerated overnight (DO NOT FREEZE) and post the following day.
The sample will be collected by DHL – make sure you book the collection slot before collecting your last sample. For example, if you are collecting your last sample on Monday, book DHL on Saturday or Sunday for Monday collection. You’ll be able to pick a collection slot.
Please follow the shipping instructions form contained within this test collection kit, which will tell you how to send back your test collection kit. The shipping cost is included in the price of the test.

What happens when your results are ready?

Your sample analysis typically takes 10-14 business days once it reaches the lab in the USA. Once the results are ready, I’ll notify you and send them via email. Please be aware that the results will be in the format of the sample report provided.

Please note that the price of the GutIQ test does not include a consultation. For accurate interpretation, your results should be considered alongside your symptoms, medications, diet, and lifestyle. When I share your results with you, you’ll have the option to opt for a consultation (£195). During this session, we’ll review your results together and discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and diet in detail. I will then provide you with personalised recommendations tailored to your unique circumstances.

FAQs

How long does it take to get results?

Once your sample reaches the lab in the USA, the processing time typically takes 21 business days (excludes transit). I’ll email you the results, usually within 3-4 weeks of shipping.

What’s the best day to collect my sample?

Monday or Tuesday – this ensures your sample reaches the lab without sitting over a weekend, which could affect its quality.

Is the test available outside the UK?

Yes, it is, but please get in touch to discuss options and shipping costs, as they differ country by country.

Is GutIQ test suitable for babies and children?

Yes — the GutIQ can be used for infants and toddlers (0–3 years) – opt for GutIQ BabyBiome, as well as children and adolescents (3–17 years) – opt for GutIQ PediatricBiome.

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

No referral is needed. You can order directly through this page.

What technology does the GutIQ test use?

GutIQ uses 4 types of testing technologies.

PCR – RT-PCR at US BioTek offers precise detection of pathogen nucleic acids, capitalising on FDA-authorized technology for accurate DNA/RNA analysis.
ELISA – ELISA utilises advanced automation for reliable blood analysis, detecting specific antibodies or antigens via spectrophotometry.
Macroscopy – Stool macroscopy involves a thorough visual examination to identify abnormalities such as blood and parasites in samples.
Metagenomic Sequencing (Shotgun) – Metagenomic sequencing analyses the genetic material of entire microbial communities in a stool sample. This technique, known as “shotgun” sequencing, randomly and unbiasedly sequences all genetic material, covering over 28,000 microbial species. Unlike targeted approaches, it offers a comprehensive view, revealing previously unknown or unculturable microorganisms. From a simple stool sample, it provides detailed information on the microbiome and biochemical markers related to digestion, inflammation, and intestinal permeability.

Where is the GutIQ analysed?

The GutIQ test is performed at US BioTek Laboratories, which is located in Seattle, Washington, United States.

Is results interpretation included in the price?

The test price covers the kit, testing, and shipping. Interpreting your results is a separate step — once they’re ready, you’ll have the option to book a results consultation with me (£195). During this session, we’ll go through your findings in detail and I’ll put together personalised recommendations tailored to your specific symptoms, diet, and lifestyle.

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