Gut Health Test (XL)

About this test – Gut Health Test (XL)

When is this test relevant?

• Persistent or complex digestive symptoms such as bloating, pain, or irregular bowel habits

• Ongoing gut issues that have not been fully explained or resolved

• Suspected infections, including parasites or intestinal worms

• Interest in assessing gut inflammation and immune activity in detail

• Wanting the most comprehensive overview of gut health in a single test

• Individuals seeking a deeper, more advanced understanding of gut function and microbial balance

How it works

1. Collect a stool sample at home using the test kit

2. Send your sample to the laboratory using the prepaid return envelope

3. Your sample is analysed using a combination of culture, microscopy, and advanced PCR-based methods

4. Receive your digital results within 5 days

You can also use our AI-based chat to explore your results and next steps

Key information

• Sample type: Stool

• Method: Culture, microscopy, and PCR

• Markers: Bacteria (beneficial and opportunistic), yeasts, parasites, intestinal worms, digestive markers, absorption markers, metabolic markers, inflammation markers, immune markers, pathogen-specific markers, and sensitivity testing

• Focus: Comprehensive gut health analysis including microbiome, digestion, inflammation, immune function, and pathogen detection

• Turnaround time: 5 days from when the lab receives your sample

• Results: Delivered digitally

• Laboratory: NATA-accredited laboratory (ISO 15189)

• Shipping: Return shipping included

Before you test

For best results, avoid antibiotics, antifungals, and probiotics prior to sample collection, as these may affect microbial levels.

Avoid collecting samples during or immediately after acute gastrointestinal illness, unless otherwise advised.

Detailed preparation instructions are included in the kit.

Accredited Laboratory

Your sample is analysed at a NATA-accredited laboratory using validated culture, microscopy, and PCR methods. This test also includes advanced markers such as calprotectin, secretory IgA, H. pylori antigen, and M2-PK, providing a highly detailed assessment of gut health.

Biomarkers included – Gut Health Test (XL)

• Enterococcus species: Good Gut Bacteria — Enterococcus species are bacteria that can naturally be found in the human gut as part of the normal intestinal microbiome. In balanced levels, they may contribute to microbial diversity and support the overall gut environment. However, higher levels may suggest a shift in microbial balance, especially when seen together with digestive symptoms or other bacterial changes. Enterococcus results shou
• Bifidobacterium animalis: Good Gut Bacteria — Bifidobacterium animalis is a beneficial gut bacterium often associated with microbial balance and digestive support. It can help ferment dietary fibres and contribute to the production of short chain fatty acids, which support the gut environment. Lower levels may suggest reduced beneficial bacterial activity and can be relevant in patterns involving bloating, irregular stools, digestive discomfo
• Lactobacillus plantarum: Good Gut Bacteria — Lactobacillus plantarum is a beneficial gut bacterium known for producing lactic acid and helping support the intestinal barrier. It is also discussed in relation to microbial balance and the handling of digestive irritation. Lower levels may be relevant when symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, loose stools, food related reactions or ongoing gut irritation are present.
• Bifidobacterium breve: Good Gut Bacteria — Bifidobacterium breve is a beneficial gut bacterium involved in fibre fermentation and short chain fatty acid production. It helps support a balanced gut environment and may contribute to normal digestion and immune function. Lower levels may suggest reduced beneficial fermentation and can be relevant in patterns involving bloating, irregular bowel habits, food related discomfort or lower microbia
• Lactobacillus casei: Good Gut Bacteria — Lactobacillus casei is a beneficial gut bacterium involved in lactic acid production and microbial balance. It can support digestion by helping maintain a gut environment that discourages overgrowth of less favourable organisms. Lower levels may be relevant when assessing bloating, loose stools, digestive discomfort, reduced tolerance to certain foods or general gut imbalance.
• Bifidobacterium longum: Good Gut Bacteria — Bifidobacterium longum is a beneficial gut bacterium that helps process dietary fibres and supports a stable intestinal environment. It is often discussed in relation to gut barrier function, immune balance and the breakdown of complex carbohydrates. Lower levels may be relevant when symptoms such as bloating, digestive discomfort, irregular stools or sensitivity to certain foods are present.
• Escherichia coli: Good Gut Bacteria — Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Many strains are a normal part of the gut microbiome and can contribute to microbial balance, digestion and vitamin production, including vitamin K. However, some strains of E. coli can be harmful and may be associated with gastrointestinal infection. In a stool profile, E. coli should be interpreted
• Lactobacillus acidophilus: Good Gut Bacteria — Lactobacillus acidophilus is a beneficial lactic acid producing bacterium found in the gut and other mucosal areas. It helps support a balanced gut environment by producing lactic acid, which can make conditions less favourable for less desirable microbes. Lower levels may be relevant in patterns involving digestive discomfort, bloating, irregular stools or reduced microbial balance.
• Lactobacillus paracasei: Good Gut Bacteria — Lactobacillus paracasei is a beneficial lactic acid producing bacterium that can support gut barrier function and microbial balance. It is often associated with immune and digestive support, especially in relation to maintaining a stable intestinal environment. Lower levels may be relevant in patterns involving recurring digestive irritation, bloating, irregular bowel habits or reduced beneficial
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus: Good Gut Bacteria — Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a beneficial lactic acid producing bacterium that supports microbial balance, gut barrier function and immune related activity in the gut. It is one of the more commonly discussed Lactobacillus species in relation to digestive resilience. Lower levels may be relevant in patterns involving loose stools, bloating, digestive discomfort, recurring gut irritation or reduced m
• Bifidobacterium bifidum: Good Gut Bacteria — Bifidobacterium bifidum is a beneficial gut bacterium that helps break down complex carbohydrates and supports the intestinal barrier. It is also linked to immune regulation and protection against less desirable microbes in the gut. Lower levels may be relevant when assessing digestive imbalance, reduced gut barrier support, bloating, loose stools or recurring gut irritation.
• Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum: Good Gut Bacteria — Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum is a beneficial gut bacterium involved in fermenting dietary fibres and supporting short chain fatty acid production. It may help maintain microbial balance and support the gut barrier. Lower levels may suggest reduced beneficial bacterial activity and can be relevant in patterns involving bloating, loose stools, digestive irritation or reduced fibre fermentation.
• Aeromonas hydrophila: Imbalance Related Gut Bacteria — Aeromonas hydrophila is a bacterium that can be found in water, soil and contaminated food, and may sometimes be detected in the gastrointestinal tract. Higher levels or a positive finding may be associated with digestive irritation, loose stools, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, nausea or changes in stool quality. Results should be interpreted together with symptoms, exposure history and the wide
• Enterococcus faecalis: Imbalance Related Gut Bacteria — Enterococcus faecalis is a bacterium that can naturally occur in the human gut. In balanced levels, it may be part of the normal intestinal microbiome, but higher levels can suggest microbial imbalance, especially if other less favourable bacteria are also increased. This may be relevant when assessing patterns linked to bloating, irregular stools, digestive discomfort or ongoing gut irritation. E
• Enterococcus faecium: Imbalance Related Gut Bacteria — Enterococcus faecium is a bacterium that can be found in the human gut as part of the intestinal microbiome. In balanced amounts, it may be present without causing problems and can contribute to microbial diversity. Higher levels may suggest a shift in gut bacterial balance, especially when seen together with other imbalance related bacteria or digestive symptoms. This marker can be relevant when
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Imbalance Related Gut Bacteria — Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that may be found in the gut as a minor or temporary member of the microbiome. Higher levels can suggest a shift in gut bacterial balance and may be more relevant when the gut environment is already irritated or disrupted. This can be seen together with symptoms such as loose stools, bloating, abdominal discomfort, increased gas or ongoing digestive irritation
• Klebsiella oxytoca: Imbalance Related Gut Bacteria — Klebsiella oxytoca is a gut bacterium that can be present in low amounts as part of the intestinal microbiome. Higher levels may suggest a shift in microbial balance and can be relevant in patterns of dysbiosis or digestive irritation. Some Klebsiella species are discussed in relation to gas production, bloating and gut inflammation related patterns. This marker is best understood together with ot
• Citrobacter freundii complex: Imbalance Related Gut Bacteria — Citrobacter freundii complex refers to a group of bacteria that can be present in the gut in low amounts. In balanced levels, they may be part of the wider intestinal microbiome, but higher levels can suggest a shift in gut bacterial balance. This may be relevant when symptoms such as bloating, loose stools, abdominal discomfort, increased gas or recurring digestive irritation are present. Higher
• Streptococcus agalactiae: Imbalance Related Gut Bacteria — Streptococcus agalactiae is a bacterium that can be found in the gut microbiome. In low amounts, it may be present without causing problems, but higher levels can suggest a change in microbial balance. This may be relevant when assessing digestive symptoms such as bloating, irregular stools, abdominal discomfort or signs of gut irritation. The result is most useful when considered together with th
• Campylobacter species: Pathogenic Bacteria — Campylobacter species are bacteria that can be found in the intestinal tract and are often linked to contaminated food, water, animals or faecal exposure. A positive finding may be associated with diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, fever, mucus in stool or general digestive upset. Campylobacter results should be interpreted together with symptoms, possible exposure sources and other gastrointest
• Aeromonas species: Pathogenic Bacteria — Aeromonas species are bacteria that can be found in water, soil, food and sometimes in the gastrointestinal tract. Some species may be associated with digestive irritation, particularly after exposure to contaminated water or food. Higher or detected levels may be relevant when symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, nausea, fever or changes in stool consistency are present. Aerom
• Yersinia species: Pathogenic Bacteria — Yersinia species are bacteria that can be detected in stool and may be associated with gastrointestinal infection or irritation. Exposure can occur through contaminated food or water, especially undercooked pork, unpasteurised dairy products or contact with contaminated environments. A positive finding may be relevant when symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, reduced appetite
• Shigella species: Pathogenic Bacteria — Shigella species are bacteria that can affect the intestinal tract and are usually spread through faecal contamination, contaminated food or water, or close contact. A positive finding may be associated with diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever, mucus in stool, blood in stool or urgent bowel movements. Shigella results should be interpreted together with symptoms, exposure history and the wider gast
• Salmonella species: Pathogenic Bacteria — Salmonella species are bacteria that can be detected in stool and are commonly linked to contaminated food, water, animals or faecal exposure. A positive finding may be associated with diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, reduced appetite or poor general condition. Salmonella can also be relevant for hygiene and transmission risk, so results should be interpreted together with sym
• Candida krusei: Yeasts — Candida krusei is a species of yeast that can be part of the gut mycobiome but is generally present in low numbers. It is known for its natural resistance to certain antifungal treatments, particularly fluconazole, making its identification clinically relevant. An overgrowth of C. krusei may occur in individuals with compromised gut flora, immune suppression, or high sugar intake. Elevated levels
• Candida albicans: Yeasts — Candida albicans is a type of yeast that can affect different parts of the body, most commonly causing vaginal yeast infections and gut overgrowth. Vaginal infections lead to itching, discomfort, and discharge, often resulting from an imbalance in natural flora. In the gut, overgrowth of Candida albicans can disrupt digestion, leading to bloating and changes in bowel habits. Factors such as diet,
• Candida parapsilosis: Yeasts — Candida parapsilosis is a yeast species that can be part of the normal human microbiota, particularly on the skin and in the gastrointestinal tract. While often harmless in healthy individuals, it can become opportunistic and cause infections, especially in hospitalized or immunocompromised patients. It is commonly associated with catheter-related infections, wound infections, and sometimes gastro
• Entamoeba histolytica: Parasites — Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite responsible for amoebiasis, an infection that can range from mild or asymptomatic to severe forms, including dysentery and liver abscesses. It is a major public health concern in regions with poor sanitation, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries.
• Blastocystis hominis: Parasites — Blastocystis hominis is a common protozoan parasite found in the intestines and often detected in individuals experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms. While its role in causing disease remains debated, it is frequently linked to various digestive issues and is commonly identified in stool examinations around the world.
• Dientamoeba fragilis: Parasites — Dientamoeba fragilis is a single-celled parasite that resides in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is linked to dientamoebiasis, a condition that may cause various digestive symptoms. Its exact mode of transmission and role in disease remain under investigation.
• Cryptosporidium species: Parasites — Cryptosporidium spp. are a group of protozoan parasites that cause cryptosporidiosis, an infectious gastrointestinal disease. Known for their resilience in diverse environments, especially in water, these parasites play a key role in outbreaks of diarrheal illness affecting both humans and animals.
• Giardia intestinalis: Parasites — Giardia intestinalis is a microscopic intestinal parasite that can be found in the digestive tract. It is usually spread through contaminated water, food, surfaces or faecal exposure. Higher levels or a positive finding may be associated with loose or watery stools, gas, bloating, mucus in stool, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite or recurring digestive upset. Giardia results should be interpr
• Hymenolepis species (tapeworm): Worms and Helminths — Hymenolepis species are tapeworms that can be detected in stool. Exposure may occur through swallowing tapeworm eggs from contaminated food, water, hands or surfaces. Some species may also involve insects or other intermediate hosts. Tapeworms live in the intestine and can interfere with normal digestive function. A positive finding may be relevant when symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, diarr
• Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm): Worms and Helminths — Enterobius vermicularis is a pinworm that can be detected in stool. Pinworm infection is usually spread through microscopic eggs on hands, surfaces, bedding, clothing or contaminated surroundings. It most commonly affects the lower intestine and the area around the anus. A positive finding may be relevant when symptoms such as anal itching, disturbed sleep, irritability, mild abdominal discomfort
• Ancylostoma species: Worms and Helminths — Ancylostoma species are hookworms that can infect the intestinal tract. Exposure usually occurs when larvae from contaminated soil penetrate the skin, often through bare feet, or through contact with contaminated environments. Hookworms attach to the intestinal lining and may contribute to gut irritation, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, fatigue or signs related to blood and nutrient loss when inf
• Necator americanus (hookworm): Worms and Helminths — New World hookworms (Necator americanus) are a type of parasitic worm commonly found in the Americas. These parasites attach to the intestinal walls of their hosts, causing chronic blood loss, anemia, and protein deficiency. The larvae can penetrate the skin from contaminated soil, putting individuals who come into contact with such environments at risk of infection.
• Ascaris species: Worms and Helminths — Ascaris species refers to the presence of parasitic roundworms, specifically of the genus Ascaris, within the body, most commonly Ascaris lumbricoides. Detecting these parasites is important for diagnosing ascariasis, a neglected tropical disease that can cause malnutrition, intestinal obstruction, and other health complications, especially in children.
• Trichuris trichiura (whipworm): Worms and Helminths — Trichuris trichiura is an intestinal whipworm that can be detected in stool. Infection usually occurs after swallowing eggs from faecally contaminated food, water, soil or hands. Whipworms mainly affect the large intestine, where they can irritate the intestinal lining. A positive finding may be relevant when symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, mucus in stool, blood in stool, straining, fa
• Strongyloides species (threadworm): Worms and Helminths — Threadworms (Strongyloides stercoralis) are tiny intestinal parasites that cause strongyloidiasis. They can be asymptomatic or lead to a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, malabsorption. Transmission occurs through skin contact with contaminated soil. These worms are notable for their ability to reproduce within the host, which can result in persistent,
• Taenia species (tapeworm): Worms and Helminths — Taenia species are intestinal tapeworms that can be detected in stool. Exposure usually occurs through eating raw or undercooked meat that contains tapeworm larval stages. Adult tapeworms can live in the intestine and may sometimes cause mild or non specific digestive symptoms. A positive finding may be relevant when symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, appetite changes, nausea, weight changes,
• Steatocrit: Digestive Function Markers — Steatocrit is a stool marker that reflects the amount of fat present in the stool. Higher levels may suggest that fat is not being fully digested or absorbed. This can be relevant when symptoms such as greasy, pale, floating or difficult to flush stools, bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, weight changes or signs of poor absorption are present. Steatocrit is often interpreted together with
• Pancreatic Elastase 1: Digestive Function Markers — Pancreatic Elastase 1 is a digestive enzyme marker that reflects pancreatic enzyme output. The pancreas produces enzymes that help break down food, especially fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Low levels may suggest reduced pancreatic digestive capacity, which can be relevant when symptoms such as loose stools, greasy or floating stools, bloating, abdominal discomfort, weight changes or signs of p
• Propionate: Gut Environment Markers — Propionate is a short chain fatty acid produced when gut bacteria ferment fibre and other carbohydrates. It contributes to the gut environment and is also involved in wider metabolic processes, including energy and glucose related pathways. Changes in propionate may reflect shifts in microbial fermentation, diet, gut transit time or bacterial balance. It is best interpreted together with acetate,
• Beta-glucuronidase: Gut Environment Markers — Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme produced by certain gut bacteria that can break the bond between glucuronic acid and various toxins, hormones, or drugs that have been prepared for elimination by the liver. Elevated beta-glucuronidase activity in the stool may indicate microbial imbalance and can interfere with detoxification by reactivating substances like estrogen and xenobiotics in the colon. Th
• Valerate: Gut Environment Markers — Valerate is a short chain fatty acid produced in smaller amounts by gut bacteria during fermentation. It can reflect microbial activity in the gut and may increase when fermentation patterns shift. Higher levels may suggest increased or altered bacterial fermentation, especially when seen together with changes in other short chain fatty acids. Valerate is best interpreted as part of the wider shor
• Short Chain Fatty Acids, Beneficial: Gut Environment Markers — Short Chain Fatty Acids, Beneficial reflects the overall level of beneficial short chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria during fermentation of fibre and other carbohydrates. These compounds help support the gut environment, provide energy for colon cells and contribute to gut barrier and immune regulation. Low levels may suggest reduced beneficial fermentation, while higher levels may reflec
• Acetate: Gut Environment Markers — Acetate is one of the main short chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria when they ferment dietary fibre and carbohydrates. It helps support the gut environment and can also be used in wider energy metabolism. Acetate may also serve as a building block for the production of other short chain fatty acids. Changes in acetate levels can reflect shifts in microbial fermentation, fibre intake, gut t
• Butyrate: Gut Environment Markers — Butyrate is a short chain fatty acid produced by gut bacteria and is an important energy source for the cells lining the colon. It helps support the intestinal barrier, gut lining integrity and immune balance in the gut. Lower levels may suggest reduced beneficial fermentation or less support for the colon lining. Butyrate is especially relevant when assessing gut barrier function, inflammation re
• pH value: Gut Environment Markers — The stool pH value is a measure that indicates the acidity or alkalinity in the intestines. It reflects the balance of metabolic processes such as fermentation and protein breakdown. A low stool pH often suggests increased fermentation of complex sugars by intestinal bacteria, which can acidify the stool. Conversely, a high stool pH may result from excessive protein metabolism, leading to the prod
• Transglutaminase IgA: Gut Inflammation and Immune Markers — Transglutaminase IgA is an immune marker linked to reactions against tissue transglutaminase, an enzyme involved in normal tissue repair. It is commonly used as part of the assessment of coeliac related immune activity, where the immune system reacts to gluten and affects the small intestinal lining. Higher levels may suggest a gluten related immune response pattern, especially when digestive symp
• Calprotectin: Gut Inflammation and Immune Markers — Calprotectin is a protein found in white blood cells that serves as a marker of inflammation, particularly in the gut. Measuring calprotectin levels in stool helps assess the degree of intestinal inflammation. This test is useful for diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and for distinguishing them from irritable bowel syndrome
• Secretory IgA: Gut Inflammation and Immune Markers — The secretory IgA (sIgA) level reflects the amount of an important immune protein called Immunoglobulin A, found mainly in mucosal areas such as the intestines, respiratory tract, and saliva. Secretory IgA plays a vital role in the body’s first line of defense by binding to pathogens and preventing their entry, helping to protect mucosal surfaces and support overall immune and gut health.
• M2 Pyruvate Kinase: Gut Inflammation and Immune Markers — M2 Pyruvate Kinase is a stool marker linked to increased cell turnover and metabolic activity in the intestinal lining. It can rise when intestinal cells are more active than expected, which may occur in patterns involving inflammation, irritation or abnormal tissue activity. Higher levels may be relevant when symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, ongoing abdominal discomfort o
• H. pylori Antigen: Gastric Pathogen Marker — H. pylori Antigen detects proteins from Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can live in the stomach lining. A positive result suggests current presence of H. pylori antigen in the stool, which may be relevant when symptoms such as upper abdominal discomfort, burning stomach pain, nausea, bloating, burping, reflux like symptoms or reduced appetite are present. H. pylori is often discussed in rela
• Fecal occult blood: Faecal Occult Blood — Fecal occult blood (FOB) is a measure that detects hidden blood in the stool, which is not visible to the naked eye. The presence of FOB can be an important indicator of internal gastrointestinal bleeding, often occurring without obvious symptoms. FOB testing is a non-invasive method used to help identify potential underlying medical conditions affecting the digestive tract.

How to prepare – Gut Health Test (XL)

To ensure your comprehensive stool analysis reflects your natural baseline, stop antibiotics 4 weeks before testing. Probiotics and digestive enzymes should be stopped 2 weeks prior. Always consult your doctor before pausing prescribed medications.

Frequently asked questions – Gut Health Test (XL)

Should I stop taking probiotics or antibiotics before the test?

To ensure your comprehensive stool analysis reflects your natural baseline, stop antibiotics 4 weeks before testing. Probiotics and digestive enzymes should be stopped 2 weeks prior. Always consult your doctor before pausing prescribed medications.

What is the difference between PCR and culture testing?

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) identifies the DNA of organisms, while culture testing requires live organisms to grow in a dish.

Does this test check for cancer or ulcers?

This test includes markers such as M2-PK and calprotectin, which may indicate changes in intestinal inflammation and cellular activity. However, it is not designed to diagnose cancer or ulcers. Abnormal results should always be followed up with a healthcare professional.

How long does it take to get results?

Once our certified laboratory receives your sample, you will receive your fast gut health test results via a secure digital portal within 5 working days.

Customer reviews – Gut Health Test (XL)

4.8/5 (5)

• 5/5 — Fast delivery and simple to use!
• 4/5 — Very interesting test!
• 5/5 — Professional kit with very detailed results.
• 5/5 — Easy to follow instructions and the peace of mind from the PCR testing is worth the price. No more guessing about my IBS symptoms.
• 5/5 — The results were ready so much faster than I expected, very impressed.