Microbiome and Gut Bacteria Testing

Digestive symptoms continue despite normal routine results?

Trust Medical Labs offers advanced tests such as GI-MAP to provide additional information about gut health and the microbiome, alongside your doctor's assessment.

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Sample collection options depend on the test and city
Advanced gut health tests
A team to help you understand your testing options

Overview

What is the microbiome?

The microbiome is the community of microorganisms in the digestive tract, including bacteria, fungi and other microbes. Research links this community with digestion, immune function and the intestinal environment. Changes in microbial balance may be associated with digestive symptoms in some people.

Could this test be relevant to you?

When might you discuss gut bacteria testing?

Persistent bloating or gas after meals
Recurring diarrhoea or irregular stools
Persistent constipation
Tiredness or low energy after meals
Persistent bowel symptoms without a clear explanation
Digestive symptoms despite normal routine test results
Possible imbalance in gut bacteria
Skin symptoms or tiredness alongside digestive problems
A history of repeated antibiotic use
A wish to discuss digestive health in more detail

This test does not replace medical assessment. It can provide additional information about the intestinal environment as part of your wider health evaluation.

The process

How do we assess the microbiome at Trust?

We use advanced stool tests such as GI-MAP to assess selected bacteria, parasites, fungi and markers related to digestion, inflammation and intestinal immunity.

Sample collection

A stool sample is collected according to clear instructions, at home or through the laboratory depending on the test.

Marker analysis

Selected bacteria, parasites, fungi and digestion and inflammation markers are assessed.

A detailed report

A report to help you and your doctor consider the findings in context.

Learn more about GI-MAP

Why Trust?

Why choose Trust for microbiome testing?

We consider microbiome testing as part of a broader digestive health assessment, discussing your symptoms and the available tests alongside medical evaluation.

Advanced digestive tests in one place

GI-MAP, SIBO and fungal testing options according to the assessment

Clear sample collection instructions

Home collection or shipping options depending on the test and city

A team to help explain suitable testing options

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Comparison

How does microbiome testing differ from GI-MAP?

Test	Sample	May be discussed for
Microbiome Testing	Usually stool	People wishing to assess selected aspects of gut bacterial balance
GI-MAP	Stool	Persistent digestive symptoms requiring broader assessment of selected microbes and gut health markers

GI-MAP is one of the advanced tests we offer to provide additional information about selected gut microbes and digestive health markers.

Your next step

For a detailed comparison table: SIBO, GI-MAP or Microbiome Testing?

Which option might suit your assessment?

Bloating and gas after meals
Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
Irregular stools with tiredness
Possible fungal imbalance or Candida
Symptoms after particular foods
Symptoms associated with wheat
Heartburn or stomach pain
Normal routine tests with continuing symptoms

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Clear selection

This tool offers initial guidance only. It does not replace a doctor's assessment or diagnosis.

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Further information

How are the microbiome and SIBO related?

The microbiome refers broadly to intestinal microorganisms. SIBO specifically concerns excessive bacterial growth in the small intestine and is commonly investigated using a SIBO breath test measuring gases such as H₂, CH₄ and H₂S. Depending on the clinical assessment, more than one test may be discussed: SIBO testing for prominent bloating and gas, GI-MAP for broader gut health assessment, and fungal testing where appropriate.

Read About the Three-Gas SIBO Test

Combined packages

Microbiome and Gut Health Packages

GI-MAP

Basic Microbiome Package

An advanced stool-based assessment of selected aspects of gut health and the microbiome.

SIBO + GI-MAP

Persistent Bloating Package

For discussion when investigating persistent bloating and gas, particularly alongside altered bowel habits.

GI-MAP + SIFO

Fungal and Microbiome Package

For discussion when investigating fungi or Candida alongside persistent digestive symptoms.

GI-MAP + SIBO +

Comprehensive Gut Package

Calprotectin or coeliac testing may be considered according to the clinical assessment in persistent or complex cases.

Ask about a package suitable for your assessment

Frequently asked questions

Common questions

Can microbiome testing diagnose disease?

No. It provides additional information about selected aspects of the gut microbiome. It cannot independently diagnose disease; your doctor makes the diagnosis.

Is GI-MAP a microbiome test?

GI-MAP assesses selected gut bacteria alongside other markers, including parasites, fungi and markers related to digestion or inflammation. It can provide additional information beyond many routine stool tests.

Do I need microbiome testing if I have IBS?

Some people with IBS-like symptoms may need additional investigations. Your doctor decides which tests, if any, are appropriate.

How do SIBO and the microbiome differ?

The microbiome is the broader community of intestinal microorganisms. SIBO concerns bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine and may be investigated with a breath test.

Can I collect a microbiome sample at home?

Yes, stool samples can usually be collected at home following the test instructions and returned through the available collection or courier service.

Does the fungal test (SIFO) use breath samples?

No. The fungal assessment offered here uses a stool sample; SIBO testing uses breath samples.

When might GI-MAP be considered instead of a routine stool test?

When symptoms persist and your doctor considers a broader assessment of selected microbes, digestion or inflammatory markers appropriate.

Understand Your Gut Health in More Detail

If digestive symptoms persist despite normal routine tests, discuss whether further gut health assessment may be appropriate.

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