What is Microba GI Navigator?
A stool test built for patients with persistent, unresolved gastrointestinal symptoms. It runs four tests on one sample - full microbiome mapping, a gut physiology panel, a pathogen screen and a patient presentation profile - and reads them together into one report. Rather than presenting data for a practitioner to interpret, GI Navigator interprets it and grades each finding, then maps the significant findings to suggested next steps.
How is it different from Microba Microbiome Explorer?
Different clinical question, not a better version. Microbiome Explorer is for broad exploration of the microbiome and gives species, markers, biomarkers and functional pathways for the practitioner to synthesise. GI Navigator is for a structured assessment of chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and returns graded interpretations across seven GI health categories, with the reasoning behind each one. It also adds a fourth data stream that Microbiome Explorer does not have - the patient's own reported symptoms, diet, psychosocial screens and relevant medications.
Is it a new test, or a new version of an existing one?
A new test. GI Navigator is built on the same validated assay platform as Microba Microbiome Explorer Comprehensive and uses the same sample, the same collection kit and the same laboratory process. What is new is the fourth data stream from the patient, and the clinical interpretation layer built over all four.
Who is it for?
Patients with chronic or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain or altered bowel habit, particularly where standard investigations have not produced an answer. It is ordered by a registered healthcare practitioner. It is not available direct to consumers, and it is for patients aged 18 and over.
Is it a diagnostic test?
Microba GI Navigator is a laboratory-developed test that combines both diagnostic and non-diagnostic components. The gut physiology panel and pathogen screen use validated IVD assays that are intended to inform clinical assessment. The microbiome analysis, clinical interpretations and suggested next steps are research use only components that support clinical decision-making and do not diagnose, replace clinical assessment, or substitute for the treating practitioner's judgement. All findings should be interpreted alongside the patient's presentation, history and other investigations.
When is it available?
From 6 October 2026, in Australia and the United Kingdom.
How do I order it?
Through the Microba practitioner portal, the same place you order Microbiome Explorer. Select GI Navigator when you create a referral.
Is sample collection different?
No. Same stool collection kit, same shipping requirements and same stability window as Microbiome Explorer Extended and Comprehensive. The only addition is the questionnaire, which runs in parallel with collection and laboratory processing.
How long does it take?
Reports are typically released within 2–4 weeks from the date the sample is received and successfully passes quality control at our laboratory in Australia.
Can my patients see their report?
Yes. Reports are released to the referring practitioner first, and to the patient seven days later, or earlier if the practitioner chooses to release it. That is the same rule that applies across the Microba range.
Is my patient data secure?
Yes. Questionnaire responses are stored in Microba's authenticated systems, linked to the patient's sample identifier, and used solely to generate their markers. Reports are locked to the version of the logic and content active when they were processed, and are never retrospectively altered.