Best Gut Tests UK: Comparison Guide
Understanding your gut is one of the most empowering steps you can take on the journey to better health. Whether you’re navigating symptoms like bloating, fatigue, brain fog, or chronic inflammation, or you’re simply curious about your microbiome, getting a clear picture of what’s happening inside your digestive system is essential.
That’s where functional stool testing comes in. These advanced tests go far beyond basic pathology to uncover how your gut is functioning, what microbes are present, how well you’re digesting food, and whether your immune system is being activated.
Discover the right stool test for you
I offer four carefully selected stool tests, each with its own strengths. The right one for you depends on your symptoms, health goals, and how much detail you’re looking for:
- Microbiome Explorer Comprehensive (Microba) – One of the most advanced gut tests available, this metagenomic sequencing panel identifies tens of thousands of microbes and offers deep insights into microbial function, diversity, and health impact. Perfect for anyone seeking the most comprehensive analysis.
- GutIQ (US BioTek) – One of the most advanced gut tests available, this test provides a broad view of overall gut health by combining PCR and Metagenomic (shotgun) sequencing technologies
- GI-MAP (Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory) – Best for identifying pathogens, gut infections, leaky gut, and inflammation. This test uses qPCR technology to detect microbial DNA with high accuracy and includes markers like calprotectin, zonulin, and beta-glucuronidase.
- GI360 (Doctor’s Data) – Combines DNA analysis with traditional culturing, giving a broader overview of microbial balance and digestive health. A good choice for those who want the reliability of lab-cultured data alongside modern PCR analysis.
- Gut Zoomer (Vibrant Wellness) – Offers a wide-angle view of the microbiome, testing over 300 species. Ideal if you’re exploring gut-health connections to mood, metabolism, skin, and immune issues. Also includes systemic inflammation and leaky gut markers.
Microbiome Explorer (£399)
Leverages metagenomic sequencing to identify over 28,000 microbial species, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and protist parasites. A typical healthy sample contains between 110–244 species.
GutIQ (£374)
The GutIQ Profile, available in three age-specific versions, offers a comprehensive assessment of gastrointestinal function, microbial balance, and pathogen status through a single stool sample.
GI-MAP (from £300)
Utilises qPCR technology, focusing on detecting pathogenic bacteria and virulence factors. It offers moderate species coverage (~45 species).
GI360 (from £378)
Combines DNA analysis with culture methods, providing a comprehensive overview of approximately 80 microbial species.
Gut Zoomer (£540)
Employs DNA microarray technology to detect over 300 microbial species and strains, offering insights into GI and systemic inflammation.
What do these tests actually look at and include?
Below, we’ve simplified the most advanced stool tests on the market, so you can choose confidently and feel informed every step of the way.
| Microbiome Explorer Comprehensive | GI-MAP | GI360 | Gut Zoomer | GutIQ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microbes tested | 28,000+ microbial genes | ~50 species | ~80 species | 300+ species & strains | 28,000+ microbial genes |
| How it works | Metagenomic sequencing (whole DNA) + PCR | PCR | PCR + live culture + macroscopy | DNA microarray + targeted PCR | Metagenomic sequencing (whole DNA) + PCR + mascrocopy |
| Lab’s name & location | Microba, Australia | Diagnostic Solutions, USA | Doctor’s Data, USA | Vibrant Wellness, USA | US BioTek, USA |
| Samples required | 1 stool sample | 1 stool sample | 3 stool samples | 1 stool sample | 1 sample |
| Collection | Simple & hygenic | Simple | Slightly more involved | Very straighforward | Slightly more involved |
| Good & bad bacteria | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Age | Primarily intended for adults aged 18 and over, but it can be used in children over the age of 2—though not all markers may be applicable or viable in paediatric cases. | Primarily intended for adults aged 18 and over, but it can be used in children over the age of 2—though not all markers may be applicable or viable in paediatric cases. | Primarily intended for adults aged 18 and over, but it can be used in children over the age of 2—though not all markers may be applicable or viable in paediatric cases. | Primarily intended for adults aged 18 and over, but it can be used in children over the age of 2—though not all markers may be applicable or viable in paediatric cases. | It’s available in three age-specific versions, 0-3, 3-17, 17+. |
| Availability | UK & Australia only | UK & Europe | UK & Europe | UK & most world countries, apart from Brazil, Costa Rica, Egypt, Italy, Lebanon, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Vietnam | UK & Europe |
| Postage | The price of the test includes postage to a UK address and Royal Mail return shipping to the UK hub. | The price of the test includes postage to a UK address and Royal Mail return shipping to the UK hub. Extra shipping charges apply when shipping to Europe. | The price of the test includes postage to a UK address and DHL return shipping to the UK hub. Extra shipping charges apply when shipping to Europe. | The price of the test includes postage to your address and DHL return shipping to the US lab. | The price of the test includes postage to a UK address and DHL return shipping to the UK hub. Extra shipping charges apply when shipping to Europe. |
| Report format | PDF, access to an online portal, possibility to download a CSV file | ||||
| Yeast / Candida | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Parasites | Yes | Yes | Yes, plus some flukes | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Worms | No | Yes, 5 types | Yes, tapeworm, flukes and roundworms | Yes, tapeworm, flukes and roundworms | Yes |
| Viruses | No | Yes, some | Yes, some | Yes | |
| H. pylori | No | Included | Extra add-on (£70) | Included | Included |
| Oral species | Yes, it assess a total of 410 oral microbial species within a stool sample | No | Only if cultured from the sample | No | No |
| Inflammation markers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Digestive function (enzymes, fat) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Detailed | Yes |
| Zonulin | Yes | Yes | Extra add-on (£48) | Yes | Yes |
| Stool pH | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Detox enzyme (Beta-glucuronidase) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Short chain fatty acids (e.g. butyrate) | It includes acetate-, propionate- and butyrate-producing microbes | Yes, with a StoolOMX add-on | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Secretory IgA (Immune function) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bile acids analysis | No | Yes, with a StoolOMX add-on | No | Yes | No |
| Gut-related antibodies | No | Yes, but only anti-gliadin IgA | No | Yes, tissue transglutaminase (tTg), deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP), fecal anti-gliadin, actin antibody, LPS antibody, anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) | Yes, faecal Transglutaminase IgA |
| Bacterial metabolite production potential | Histamine, Hecxa-LPS, TMA, hydrogen sulphide, methane, IPA | No | No | No | Histamine, LPS, TMA, hydrogen sulphide, methane, IPA, iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, |
| Antibiotic Resistance Genes | No | Yes, for H. pylori as standard; for other bacteria as an add-on | No | Yes | Yes, for H. pylori |
| Neurotransmitters (from urine) | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Price | £399 | £300-£400 | £378 (without add-ons) | £540 | £374 |
What test is right for you?
Your choice depends on your clinical needs, budget, and whether you want a broad overview or targeted answers. As technology advances, tests like MetaXplore GI Plus and Gut Zoomer are setting new standards by integrating the strengths of multiple methodologies for truly personalised gut health insights.
Still not sure?
Book a free 20-minute inquiry call today to explore which test may be most beneficial for you.
