Need help with...

Frequently asked questions

Hi. Still have questions about Gut Health Screening?

Answered below are a few common inquiries about GenixPRO™.
If you don't find your questions answered herein, kindly contact us.

• Why do I need a gut health assessment?

  It is important to get a baseline analysis of your Gut health:

  1. To comprehensively understand your gut microbiome composition, and how it may influence your health risks, immunity, mental and physical well-being, productivity, growth and development
  2. To learn more about root causes of common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders like bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and indigestion
  3. To identify ways to optimize your nutrition and supplementation with personalized recommendations on foods and target probiotics to include in your diet for your holistic well-being

• What information is contained in the report?

  In up to* 6-8 weeks from receiving your sample, your report will be published on the GenixPRO portal and accessible using GenixPRO app. You will receive 2 documents: Your comprehensive gut microbiome assessment report and accompanying infographic* (summary report) with key information on food categories to enjoy or limit.

  Your main report includes over 100 findings on aspects like microbial composition (bacteria, viruses, parasites, protozoa, yeast); diversity; species and strains; probiotics (likely beneficial bacteria) and pathogens (likely harmful bacteria); as well as intestinal markers for health conditions like IBD, IBS, inflammation, digestion, celiac disease or gluten intolerance, immune function, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and more. In addition, we report your overall microbiome health index along with an assessment of likely risk for several metabolic traits and health conditions. This may help you understand your gut health comprehensively. The report will include specific dietary advice for your gut microbiota, foods to enjoy or limit, targeted prebiotics, supplementsand appropriate probiotics that may help to bridge the gaps in your results.

  If applicable, during your scheduled scientific review* our team will help interpret and present your report findings in detail. This will include an explanation of each finding, what it means for you and how it ties in with your overall health as well as targeted suggestions for natural remedies.

• Does this test help identify IBD, IBS and SIBO?

  Yes, there are specific microbial species and functional gut markers that are related to irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and small intestinal bacteral overgrowth. While IBS and IBD often produce symptoms in the large bowel such as bloating, gas, pain, and alternating bowel movements, SIBO is also linked with upper gastrointestinal disorders such as reflux, heartburn and even hayfever. We offer specialized tests to detect SIBO.

• How is GenixPRO™ different from other gut health tests available?

  Unlike other providers, we use the most advanced Whole Genome Sequencing technology (Shotgun Metagenomics) to provide deep-level analysis and insights in to your gut microbiome. This means that you get a report that identifies the microbial species and strains in your gut flora with a significantly higher degree of confidence.

  In addition to bacteria, we evaluate the presence of viruses, fungi, other small eukaryotes, as well as functional pathways (for example, virulence, short chain fatty acid pathways and vitamin synthesis pathways). Furthermore, we provide an assessment of the potentially harmful bacteria (pathogens) and harmless or even beneficial bacteria that compose your gut flora. More importantly, our holistic gut health assessment stratifies your risk for diseases and deficiencies based on an integrated assessment of your clinical, gut and lifestyle biomarkers.

• Why do you use advanced whole metagenome sequencing instead of the lower cost 16S?

  With 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing (used by other providers), only a portion of one gene is analyzed, hence there is very limited information one can obtain about gut flora. Microbial genomes can be millions of bases long, and whole genome information can help identify microbes to the species and strain level, and even viruses, fungi and other small eukaryotes in addition to bacteria (16S is limited to bacteria only). It also facilitates functional analysis like biosynthetic, virulence pathways and more.

• When should I collect my sample?

  It is best to collect your sample when you've had a typical diet and habits for at least a few days and up to two weeks before testing. If you've been on antibiotics, traveled far from home, or had major dietary or lifestyle changes, it would be best to wait for a minimum of two weeks.

• What if I am taking medications or supplements?

  You may consider GenixPRO™ testing while on general medication (not antibiotics) or supplements.

• What if I have food sensitivities or allergies?

  If you have known sensitivities or allergies to any foods, you should refrain from eating them, regardless of the recommendation for those food items in your comprehensive gut health report.

• Is this a one-time test or can I repeat it?

  Usually it takes about three months to see the effects of a new diet on your gut microbiome. We recommend that you repeat the test after 6-9 months to assess changes in your gut microbiota.

• Is my data safe?

  Yes, we store your information securely and comply with various data privacy regulations including HIPPA, GINA, GDPR and PDPA. We do not share your information with any third party. Your samples are processed in our labs without any personally identifiable information (PII). Each sample gets tagged with a unique identifier upon member registration.

• How long does it take for me to receive my kit?

  Once you have identified and purchased your health screening package suitable for your needs, within a few days we schedule an at-home visit for basic health assessment* and more importantly to pass you the specialized stool sample collection kit with instructions.

• How long will my sample be good for?

  You should mail back your sample to us for processing ideally within a few hours of sample collection. Collected sample should be kept at room temperature in a cool, dry place prior to mailing back to us.

• How long does it take for me to get my results?

  You'll be notified by email and in-app once the report is ready within 6-8 weeks* after we receive your sample at our facility.

• Is it easy to use the kit for stool sample self-collection?

  Yes. The test is non-invasive, comes with accessories and clear instructions on how to self-collect your stool sample.

• Can you detect Candida, other fungi, leaky gut? What about H. Pylori?

  Yes, we are able to assess leaky gut, identify Candida (including Candida albicans), as well as other yeasts and fungi in addition to bacteria, as long as there is genomic information available and a high enough abundance of the organism in the stool sample. You'll be able to determine if a Candida overgrowth is responsible for your symptoms and receive actionable advice in your personal recommendations.

  We run advanced analysis to assess virulence factors of H. Pylori and STEC. However Helicobacteria Pylori may not often be detected in stool samples as it primarily inhabits the stomach, and upper GI tract. A Urea Breath Test that we offer may be more specific for H. Pylori detection.

• Can I order this test for my child?

  Yes, as long as ordered by a parent or guardian if the child is under 18 years old. For infants and toddlers up to 3 years of age, please refer to our BabyBiome™ product.