FAQ's
Welcome to our FAQ, we are so happy to have you here and as a client.
We have tried to answer the most common questions.
General
Why is gut microbiome health important?
Gut microbiome health is crucial because it influences digestion, immune function, metabolism, and even mental well-being. A balanced microbiome helps absorb nutrients, protect against harmful bacteria, and regulate inflammation. Disruptions in gut bacteria have been linked to conditions like obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and mood disorders. Supporting gut health through diet, probiotics, and lifestyle choices can enhance overall well-being.
Why should I test my gut microbiome?
GutID microbiome test helps you understand the unique balance of bacteria in your gut and how it affects your digestion, metabolism, and overall health. GutID’s test provides science-backed recommendations tailored to your gut health, empowering you to make informed choices about your nutrition and overall wellness.
Is GutID Test right for me?
If you are someone that is interested in learning more about your microbiome and its effect on health, then the GutID Test is right for you. Whether you have digestive issues or not, this test will help provide you with actionable nutrition, lifestyle and supplemental recommendations.
Who can use the GutID test kit?
The GutID test is designed for everyone, whether you're in good health or managing health concerns. While there are no age restrictions for using the kit, individuals must be 18 or older to activate and register the test.
How do the kits work?
Each kit will contain a barcoded collection tube. Follow the instructions to collect your fecal sample from the comfort of your own home and ship it back to us in the pre-paid envelope. The sample is shipped to our a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory in the US and will be processed using the patented Intus Bio technology. Your results will be emailed to you within four to six weeks.
What is the sample type?
GutID tests use your fecal (stool) sample to identify the bacteria that is present in your gut.
What information will GutID provide me?
The gut report will discover the bacteria that live in your gut. As part of the test you will receive a comprehensive report outlining:
- An overall gut microbiome health score on a scale of 0 to 100
- Executive summary including key microbiome health metrics.
- Gut health flagged areas and pathogen profiles Personalized recommendations for foods and supplements that are helpful for your specific microbiome.
How long will it take to process my GutID Test sample?
Once our lab receives a sample and it passes QC (quality control), processing typically takes 3-4 weeks to yield results. Your results will be then uploaded into your gut test portal account, in addition to an email notification letting you know they are available for you to view.
How can I view my results?
Your results will be emailed to the email address provided when the test is registered.
Will temperature or time affect the sample collection kit?
The sample collection tube contains a preservative that allows the sample to be stable for up to 2 years at room temperature. There is no refrigeration required once the sample is collected. It can be stored at room temperature until you can to ship it back to us. We provide a pre-paid shipping envelope; there is no special shipping required.
GutID Tests
Common questions about our GutID Tests
Gut microbiome: What is it?
There are trillions of microorganisms living in your gut: bacteria, viruses and fungi. They all share the same space and often nutrients, so sometimes they fight for a comfortable spot! Thankfully, most live peacefully in our gut and other digestive organs without causing any problems for us, the host, or each other.
The whole set of microorganisms living in a specific environment is called microbiota, while the collection of their genomes (so their DNA) is called microbiome. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they don't mean the same.
The GutID tests only detect the bacteria living in your gut, which make up more than 90% of the entire microbiota. Even though viruses and fungi can affect the host health, bacteria have the biggest impact.
So, our GutID tests are bacterial microbiome tests that identify all bacterial species and strains present in a stool sample.
Are the GutID tests a diagnostic test?
No, our microbiome tests and analysis are used to identify which bacteria live in the gut, to assess whether they are in an abnormal abundance (more or less than expected) and to spot potential issues associated with certain bacteria. This test is not intended to diagnose any condition, including IBS.
There are several intestinal but also systemic health issues that can be caused by abnormalities in the quantity and type of gut bacteria, so these tests can help your clinician decide if supporting your gut microbiome will help.
Do the GutID tests detect SIBO?
A breath test is required to diagnose Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), so our microbiome test is not a replacement. However, research has shown that bacteria associated with SIBO can also be detected in stool. The GutID test identifies bacteria linked to SIBO that may be overrepresented in your gut.
Do the GutID tests measure calprotectin or other intestinal biomarkers?
No, our tests are exclusively microbiome-focused, so we don't check for calprotectin, occult blood, metabolites, or other inflammatory biomarkers. Nevertheless, our in-depth microbiome fingerprinting analysis suggests which functions and areas of your gut are strongly impacted by your microbiome. Our summary sections have been conceived to guide you and help you understand which intestinal functions may be out of balance and why.
What’s the difference between a culture-based test, a qPCR test and a complete microbiome test?
If your doctor suspects you have some nasty intestinal infections, they might suggest you have a stool test that cultures specific bacteria or looks for parasites. However, several long-term intestinal symptoms are caused by more bacteria than can usually grow (culture) in the lab. Other tests use a molecular technique called qPCR to identify just a few key bacteria in the gut. The GutID test is the only one that can detect any bacteria in your stool, even if they've never been cultured or recognized before!
Is the GutID test HSA/FSA eligible?
Yes, depending on your provider, GutID may be eligible to be covered under the HSA/FSA. You may be required to submit a letter of medical necessity from your provider. You can also submit your order confirmation as an itemized receipt for HSA/FSA reimbursement. Please note that some HSA/FSA benefits coordinators might incorrectly deny reimbursement – so before purchasing one of the above products, you should consider checking first with your benefits coordinator to determine if your purchases will be covered/reimbursed.
Refund Policy
Test Kits
Due to the medical nature of our test kits, we cannot accept returns. All sales are final unless your order has not yet been prepared.
- Order Cancellations:
- If canceled within 24 hours, you will receive a full refund minus a 3% processing fee.
- After preparation begins, orders cannot be canceled or refunded.
To Request a Cancellation: Email our customer care team at ask@gutid.com. Refunds are processed within 5–10 days after we receive your request.
Retail Purchases
If you purchased a test kit from a retail store or an authorized clinic or seller, GutID cannot issue refunds or credits. Refunds must be handled directly by the retailer.
Damaged or Defective Kits
If your test kit or its essential components arrive damaged or defective, you may request a free replacement from GutID, provided:
- You haven’t submitted a sample using the original kit.
- The kit has not expired.
- A replacement is available.
Damage caused by customer error (e.g., incorrect shipping address) does not qualify for a free replacement.
Test Kit Issues & Solutions
My sample collection kit is damaged
It is important that the preservative in the sample collection tube remain intact. If there were any issues in shipping or handling, please contact us at ask@gutid.com and we will send you a replacement.
My sample collection tube was contaminated
It is important that the feces catcher remain clean and not be contaminated by urine or toilet water. If there was an issue with the sample collection, please contact us at ask@gutid.com
Lost my prepaid shipping envelope
Please contact ask@gutid.com if there are any issues with shipping.