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

What's changing with the Microba brand refresh, and how does it affect me and my patients?

We're bringing all our microbiome testing under one clear name: Microba. The MetaXplore tests will appear under new names, and Microba becomes the dedicated home for clinical-grade microbiome testing. Invivo will continue to focus on microbiome-nurturing supplements.The reason for this change is simple — a unified brand makes for a more consistent, world-class testing experience across all regions, simpler ordering, and lets us invest in innovation under one trusted name.For your patients, the testing is exactly the same. The science, the accuracy, the sample collection, the turnaround times — none of that changes. What does change is the look of the reports and the patient-facing experience, which have been refreshed for clarity and simplicity.Patients will be notified of the change directly, but you can reassure them it's the same science and quality, simply presented under one clear name. Existing MetaXplore reports and patient data remain accessible in the current platform — nothing is lost. And there's nothing you need to do differently before launch. Continue referring and ordering as usual, and the updated names and branding will appear automatically.

Can I register with Microba as a student practitioner?

Student practitioners are welcome to register for a Microba practitioner account. While you can create an account, you will not be able to refer patients for testing until you have completed your qualification and uploaded evidence of your active registration with an approved professional association . Once your credentials have been verified, your account can be approved for referrals. If you would like to arrange testing before graduating, you may wish to ask your clinic supervisor or another eligible registered healthcare practitioner to place the referral on your behalf.

Is the Microba lab accredited?

Yes — the Microba lab in Australia that processes samples is fully accredited. It's NATA accredited for Human Pathology under ISO 15189. That accreditation confirms our services consistently meet strict international standards, so you and your patients can feel confident the results are reliable and high quality.

Is NATA accreditation in Australia equivalent to the CQC in the UK?

In the UK, healthcare providers are regulated by the Care Quality Commission, or CQC. In Australia, Microba's laboratory is accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities, or NATA. Both meet the international standard ISO 15189, which is recognised globally.What this means in practice is that our lab undergoes rigorous assessment of technical competence, quality systems, and compliance with international standards. Results are reliable, reproducible, and clinically robust. Even though our testing is conducted outside the UK, it meets the same benchmark as UK laboratories.

How is Invivo linked to Microba?

Invivo is now part of Microba. We've combined Invivo's strengths in clinical practice and market presence with Microba's world-leading microbiome science and technology, bringing together the expertise to improve human health through microbiome science.

Who is Microba working with in the US?

Microba is collaborating with US partners on test delivery. Currently, we're working with Genova in the US, who launched Microbiomix — a legacy insight product. We've also worked with Psomagen and Luminary on similar implementations.

Tell me about the product and technology — is it new? When was it established?

Microbiome Explorer — formerly known as MetaXplore — was launched in Australia in April 2023. It uses cutting-edge NGS technology and saw quick adoption in Australia, with strong positive feedback from practitioners about the test's comprehensive nature and the value of its clinical insights. It was introduced to the UK from October 2024 through what was known as the MetaXplore Pioneer Program.

What are the qualification requirements for HCPs to use Microbiome Explorer?

An advanced diploma is currently the minimum requirement, though the industry is moving towards requiring a bachelor's degree.Alongside the qualification, HCPs need active membership with a recognised professional association to be approved to use Microbiome Explorer.

Is Microbiome Explorer a new or established technology?

Microbiome Explorer is built on established metagenomic next-generation sequencing technology — sometimes called mNGS — which has been used in microbiome research for over a decade.Microba has been conducting microbiome research and analysis since 2017, and Microbiome Explorer Comprehensive launched commercially in Australia in 2023. The platform draws on Microba's in-house reference database — one of the most comprehensive available — developed and validated through peer-reviewed research.Our science team has published extensively in the microbiome field, and the technology underpinning Microbiome Explorer continues to be refined through ongoing research.

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LS Nutrition

Kriben Govender (RNutr)

Ananda Mahony

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