Gut microbiome test
Profiles the bacteria in your gut. Interesting to explore - but results rarely change what you should actually do yet.
TypeStool
HowA stool sample collected at home.
How oftenOptional; occasionally to compare changes.
BeforeNo special preparation.
WhoCurious users - not a diagnostic test.
Interesting — but not yet a diagnosis
Microbiome tests list the bacteria in your stool. The science is growing fast, but there’s no agreed “healthy” profile, and results rarely change treatment today.
What it shows
“Which bacteria do I have?”
The types and diversity of your gut bacteria.
Description
What it can’t do
“Does it explain my symptoms?”
It can’t diagnose IBS, IBD or infection.
Not diagnostic
What helps now
“What should I test instead?”
Evidence-based
Eating a wide variety of plant fiber is the best-studied way to improve gut diversity.
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You’re curious about your gut bacteria.
- You want to track changes after diet shifts.
- You understand it’s educational and won’t diagnose symptoms.
A better option if…
- You have symptoms - start with calprotectin, celiac or H. pylori testing.
How it’s measured
16S sequencing
Identifies bacterial groups.
Shotgun metagenomics
More detail, higher cost.
The full picture
What is it?
A stool test profiling gut bacteria.
What type of test is it?
A stool sequencing test.
What does it measure?
The mix and diversity of bacteria.
Why might someone consider it?
Curiosity or tracking diet changes.
Who is it most relevant for?
Curious, health-focused users.
How is it performed?
A home stool sample.
How often might it be considered?
Optional.
What can the result help you understand?
A snapshot of your gut bacteria.
What are its limitations?
No agreed “healthy” profile; recommendations are often not evidence-based.
What should it be viewed with?
Diet, symptoms and validated gut tests.
Where to get it
Through your provider
The simplest route - often covered when there’s a clear reason.
Lab services
e.g. Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp.
Direct-to-consumer panels
e.g. Function Health, InsideTracker.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Would a microbiome test change anything for me?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Gut microbiome test result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
Refer my providerAlready seeing your provider?
Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your Gut microbiome test result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
Get my 30-day reportNo provider? Find a clinical partner
Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test