We recommend waiting until you have fully recovered from any acute illness or infection before collecting your stool sample.
Illnesses, particularly gastrointestinal infections such as gastroenteritis, can temporarily affect your gut microbiome and certain stool markers. Changes in inflammation, appetite, diet, medications and bowel habits during illness may also influence your results.
Collecting your sample while you are unwell or recovering may produce results that reflect the temporary effects of your illness rather than your usual gut environment.
For the most representative results, we recommend collecting your sample once:
Your acute symptoms have resolved.
Your bowel movements have returned to their usual pattern.
You have resumed your normal diet and routine.
What if I took antibiotics?
If you were prescribed antibiotics, we generally recommend waiting at least 4 weeks after completing your course before collecting your sample, unless your healthcare practitioner advises otherwise.
If you have an ongoing illness or your symptoms have not fully resolved, please discuss the most appropriate collection timing with your referring healthcare practitioner.