IPPM Gut microbiome analysis

What is gut flora and why is it important?

Clinical studies over the last decades have clearly demonstrated that the gut microbial flora and its genome - the 'microbiome' - plays a fundamental role in human health. The gut microbiota can influence our mood, appetite, obesity or the development of allergies or intolerances. Negative changes in the composition of the gut flora (gut dysbiosis) are also associated with a wide range of gastrointestinal but also non-gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, it’s extremely important to take care of your gut flora. Especially in light of the fact that due to the overuse of antibiotics and unhealthy lifestyle, intestinal dysbiosis is becoming extremely common in our modern society.

How can I find out if my gut flora is in good condition?

IPPM microbiome analysis can provide an answer to this question. This diagnostic test involves a method of genetic analysis capable of detecting the presence of hundreds of different probiotic strains of gut bacteria from small stool sample. In addition to the mere presence of species, the analysis also determines whether the bacteria are present in sufficient quantities and in the correct proportions relative to other species. Based on this information, it's possible to assess and grade the overall condition of the gut flora, including important indicators such as species diversity, balance, and the impact of the microbiome composition on metabolism and overall health.

What conditions are linked to gut dysbiosis?

Clinical studies, particularly over the past 20 years, have confirmed the link between gut flora and a wide range of different health problems and diseases. Of course, it is important to note that gut flora is only one of many factors that can influence the development of these diseases.

Gastrointestinal diseases and problems

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Ulcerative colitis/Crohn's disease (IBD)
Intestinal infections (Clostridium difficile)
Constipation, diarrhea, bloating
SIBO, Leaky gut, intolerances

Autoimmune diseases

Diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2 diabetes)
Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis
Psoriasis
Thyroiditis (Hashimoto's syndrome)
Multiple sclerosis

Psychiatric/psychological conditions

Depression
Anxiety disorders
Chronic fatigue syndrome

Neurological diseases

Parkinson's disease
Alzheimer's disease
Autism spectrum disorders
Multiple sclerosis
Epilepsy

Metabolic diseases and overweight

Insulin resistance
Obesity and overweight
Metabolic syndrome

How can gut flora analysis help me?

At IPPM, we believe that a healthy gut ecosystem is the key to solving many health problems and improving your overall health. An examination of your gut microbiome is the first step towards achieving this goal, as the results of this examination will give us a detailed view of the current state of your gut system. Based on the results, we can then proceed with individual therapy to revitalize your gut flora and improve the overall health of your intestinal system.

How does the process work?

Order online

Order and pay for your analysis easily through our online system.

Sample kit is shipped

We mail a sample collection kit to your address.

Sample collection

Collect a small stool sample easily and hygienically using our sample collection kit.

Sample shipment

Ship the stool sample to the laboratory for free in an included pre-paid envelope.

Sample processing

Your sample will be analyzed within 6 weeks of arriving at the lab.

Results and consultation

You receive your results (in English) and we schedule an optional 45 minute online expert consultation.

What are the benefits of IPPM Microbiome Analysis?

Convenient

The entire process from ordering and payment to delivery of results and consultation is done online. There is no need to travel anywhere.

Affordable

IPPM provides microbiome analysis at less than half the cost of some competing providers.

Professional

Your results will be explained to you in detail by an expert on gut flora during a 45-minute online consultation.

High-Quality

The analysis is performed by a medical laboratory using the latest certified methods.

Comprehensible

You will receive the results in English. The results are presented in graphical format and explained in a simple and accessible way.

Simple

The whole process consists of just six simple steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many different species of bacteria are included in the test results?

IPPM microbiome analysis can detect the presence of several hundred different species and sub-species of probiotic bacteria, out of which more than 70 are quantified. The quantification of dominant phyla of probiotic bacteria such as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes and their ratio (known as F/B ratio) is a standard part of the analysis, but the examination also quantifies various important specific probiotic bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila.

Is it possible to make a diagnosis based on the results of the microbiome analysis?

Although microbiome analysis is a useful tool that can give us a detailed insight into the state of your gut flora, it cannot be used on its own to establish a definitive diagnosis. For example, the test results may show that your bacterial diversity is low or that your gut flora is lacking certain important species of bacteria. These findings may indicate that you are suffering from intestinal dysbiosis, which occurs when the natural balance of the intestinal flora is disturbed. However, gut dysbiosis is not a disease in itself. Although gut dysbiosis is associated with a wide range of gastrointestinal as well as other diseases and symptoms, in many cases gut dysbiosis is just one of several factors that may play a role in the onset of the disease. In other cases, it may be difficult to determine whether dysbiosis is a consequence or a cause of disease. Therefore, the microbiome test alone should not be used as a basis for medical diagnosis.

Do I have to come to your clinic in person to have my gut flora tested?

No, it is not necessary to come to the clinic in person. The entire process from purchasing the test to the final medical consultation can be completed easily from the comfort of your own home. A sample collection kit, which contains everything you will need to take a stool sample at home, will be sent to your address by post. You will then mail the stool sample to our laboratory using the prepaid envelope included in the sample collection kit. Once the sample has been processed (within 6 weeks), we will send you the results in digital format via email and you can then arrange a free, optional online consultation with our microbiome expert. During the consultation we will explain the results to you, answer any questions and suggest possible next steps.

How long does it take to get the results?

Results will be available within 4-6 weeks from the day the laboratory receives your stool sample. Please note that shipping times can vary depending on which country the sample has been shipped from, so it’s important to keep in mind that it takes up to 6 weeks to process the results from the moment the sample actually arrives at the lab, not 6 weeks from the moment the sample has been posted.

How will I receive the results?

We will email you the results in PDF format. You will receive your results in a visual, easy-to-understand format with detailed explanations and recommendations.

Is a professional consultation included in the price of the test?

Yes, a 45-minute online consultation with one of our experts on microbiome and functional medicine is already included in the price. During the consultation, we will go over your results with you and explain what they mean and what your options are if your results are not ideal.

What language are the results in?

If you order the analysis from outside of Slovakia or Czech republic, the results will be automatically sent to you in English. We can also provide the results in Slovak on request.

What if I want to buy the analysis for someone as a gift?

If you would like to buy the IPPM microbiome analysis for someone else in the form of a gift, please contact us via the contact form in the contact section and you will be able to purchase the test for another person in the form of a gift card.

Is the test suitable for children?

Yes, the test is suitable for children. However, it is important to note that the reference values in the test are based on the composition of the microbiome of an average, healthy adult. Therefore, especially in very young children, the results may differ from the reference values without necessarily indicating a problem, as the gut flora in young children is still developing. In general, gut flora analysis is not recommended for children younger than 3 years of age, since the composition of the gut flora does not start to stabilise until around 3 years of age.

How is a stool sample taken?

We will send you a kit that contains everything you will need for a quick, easy and hygienic stool sample collection. This kit includes a special film that you can put over the toilet to catch your stool, as well as a swab stick and a plastic bottle for taking the sample. Detailed instructions will be included with the collection material.

Is gut flora testing covered by health insurance?

No, this test is for self-payers only.

Which countries do you ship to?

Currently we can ship to all EU member states + to Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. If you are not from one of these countries, we unfortunately cannot offer you microbiome testing at this time.

Order the analysis

If you wish to order the IPPM microbiome analysis for yourself or your family member, please fill in the patient's name and date of birth and click on the "add to cart" button. If you are buying the test only for one person, you can then click on the “view shopping cart” button and proceed to checkout.

To order tests for more than one person, please follow these steps:

Fill in the first patient's name and date of birth
Click the "add to cart" button
Then click on "continue shopping" on the pop-up message that will appear
Fill in the name and date of birth of the second patient
Click on the "add to cart" button followed by "continue shopping" Once you have completed this process for all the persons you want to add, proceed to checkout by clicking on the "view shopping cart" button and proceed to checkout.

Price: €288.00

View shopping cart