Can patients in remote Australia use a Microba test?

Yes. Patients living in remote or rural areas can still use a Microba testing; however, the most suitable test depends on their location and available postal services.

The Microbiome Explorer Essentials test is suitable for very remote locations across Australia. The collection swab is stable at room temperature for up to 6 weeks, making it well suited to areas with longer postal transit times.

The Extended and Comprehensive tests require samples that must reach our laboratory within 72 hours of collection. Samples that exceed this timeframe will be rejected by the laboratory, as the integrity of certain targets can no longer be assured.

Patients in remote areas may still be able to use these tests if they can collect and post their sample from a metro or well serviced regional location where overnight or express transport to our laboratory is available. If this is not possible, we generally recommend the Microbiome Explorer Essentials test instead.

If you are unsure whether your location is suitable for the Extended or Comprehensive test, please contact our Customer Support team with your postcode before ordering, and we can help determine the most appropriate option.