Microbiome Test Sample Collection Guide

Simple answers to common questions

Find answers to the questions we hear most often. From our technology and products to accreditation, partnerships and the future of Microba.

Is there a video showing how to collect my sample?

You can find the video instructions here: https://microba.com/patients/collecting-your-sample/ We recommend watching the video before collecting your sample, as it covers: Preparing your kit for collection. How to collect your sample correctly. How to package your sample for return. When and how to post your sample. If you have any questions after watching the video, please contact our Customer Support team and we'll be happy to assist.

Can I take my sample the day before?

If you are having trouble obtaining a sample in the mornings, you can collect the sample the day before (if the day before is a Sunday or Monday). This is only recommended if you are in a “metro” area. We do not advise using this method for customers in NT, WA, SA, TAS or regional/rural locations. Collect the sample at the convenient time (Sunday or Monday afternoon or evening). Make sure the time and date of the sample collection is recorded. Keep the swab in pouch A at room temperature, and the blue tipped device and pottle in pouch B in the fridge. First thing in the morning, package up the samples as instructed with the provided frozen ice block. Take to express post on a Monday or Tuesday morning. Please hand the package over at the counter and don’t post through the post box.

Can I collect a sample the day before posting?

Yes — if you're in a metro area, it's fine to collect the sample the day before posting. We know it's not always easy to get to the post office first thing in the morning.Here's how to do it. Take your sample on Sunday or Monday afternoon or evening, and note the time and date as per the instructions. Store the swab in Pouch A at room temperature, and the blue-tipped device and pottle in Pouch B in the fridge. The next morning, package everything with the provided frozen ice block, and take it to Express Post on Monday or Tuesday morning. Hand the package over at the counter — don't use a post box.A note: this method isn't recommended for clients in NT, WA, SA, TAS, or regional or rural locations, because the transit times are too long.

How long should I wait to collect my sample after finishing antibiotics?

Ideally wait at least one month after finishing antibiotics or antimicrobials before collecting a sample. After a short course of broad-spectrum antibiotics — five to 10 days — most gut microbial species return to baseline within one to two months.Some changes can persist for a year or more, and there's limited data on prolonged antibiotic use, where recovery is likely to take longer. One study showed recovery only after nine months following three months of amoxicillin.So the one-month minimum is what we advise based on current research, with the understanding that full recovery may take longer in some cases.

How much time should a patient allow to take the test?

We recommend collecting from your first bowel movement of the day, as this gives the most accurate result. Allow yourself around 45 minutes for the whole process — that way you can take your time, follow each step, and complete the sampling without rushing.

I'm having trouble taking my sample in the morning — can I take it in the afternoon?

Yes, if you live in a metropolitan area, you can collect your sample in the afternoon or evening. Here's what to do — collect on Sunday or Monday afternoon or evening, and record the date and time on the labels.Store the swabs in Pouch A at room temperature, and the pottle and device in Pouch B in the fridge. Then post the package on Monday or Tuesday morning at the post office counter — not in a street post box.This approach isn't suitable for regional or rural clients, because longer transit times put the sample outside its stability window.

Is the sample contaminated if it comes into contact with toilet paper?

A small piece of toilet paper in the sample doesn't make it invalid. The sample can still be processed, and the results remain reliable.

Is it possible to collect a sample from a colostomy bag?

Yes — a sample can be transferred from the colostomy bag into the pottle, just as you would emptying it into the toilet. That works perfectly well for processing the sample for microbiome analysis.

What impact do anti-fungals have on Microbiome Explorer test results?

Antifungal use can influence the gut microbiome, though the evidence base is more limited than it is for antibiotics. Research suggests antifungals may alter bacterial composition, so to reduce interference we recommend waiting four weeks after completing antifungal treatment before collecting a sample.Topical antifungals such as Nystatin — Nilstat or Mycostatin — are unlikely to impact results, since they aren't ingested and don't reach the digestive tract.

What impact do enemas have on Microbiome Explorer test results?

Enemas can affect both GI markers and the gut microbiome, so we recommend avoiding them before stool collection where possible — particularly when testing for faecal elastase. If an enema has been used, wait at least 24 to 48 hours before collecting a sample.Why does this matter? Enemas can alter stool pH and elastase results, and surfactant or soap-based enemas may also affect the stability of other biomarkers. A short delay gives you a much cleaner picture.

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