Instructions: Gut Microbiome Check

Instructions for the Gut Check

With our Gut Check, you can easily and safely conduct an important health examination from the comfort of your home – without a doctor's visit. This guide will take you step by step through the process, from preparation to sample collection and shipping.

Probatix provides you with the necessary materials to ensure your sample is collected properly and analyzed in a specialized, accredited laboratory. Follow the instructions to obtain reliable results and keep an eye on your health.

General Instructions

Please read the instructions carefully in advance and follow each step.

• It is best to bring the stool sample to a Deutsche Post branchon the day of collection. Store the sample in the refrigerator until shipping.
• Attention! The stabilizer in the small vessel is corrosive! Do not bring into contact with skin or mucous membranes.
• Keep the container out of reach of children.
• The liquid contained in the container must not be swallowed and must not come into contact with the eyes or mucous membranes. The container is designed to prevent leakage of the liquid. In case of accidental contact, please seek medical professional assistance immediately.
• Collect the stool sample immediately after excretion.
• Note for women: Please do not collect stool samples during your period.
• Do not insert the container or any part of it under any circumstances into the anus.
• Stool samples should not be taken during menstruation if bleeding occurs at the anus (e.g.in case of hemorrhoids or for other reasons) or if the stool is contaminated with urine.
• Use the container only once and avoid direct sunlight.
• Suitable only for individuals over 18 years of age.
• If you have any questions, contact us via email at support@probatix.de. For more information, visit our Contact Page or our FAQ.

Step 1: Preparation

1. Read the instructions carefully.
2. Prepare all materials: 1 stool sample tube with shipping container, 1 microbiome sample tube with shipping container, 1 stool catcher, 1 shipping bag.
   
3. Please make the following preparations for collecting stool samples:
   Flat flush toilet: Remove any toilet fresheners and flush. The stool should not be mixed with urine. If necessary, place aline the toilet with toilet paper to prevent contamination of the stool samples.
   Deep-flush toilet: Attach the "stool catcher" to the rear area of the toilet seat. It should not come into contact with water or urine.
   

Step 2: Execution

Stool tube with shipping container

1. Take the stool tube with shipping container (brown lid)
2. Use the sampling spoon from the sample container to collect samples from at least 5-6 different areas of the stool. Ensure that you take samples from the beginning, middle, and end of the bowel movement.
3. Fill it into the sample container up to the marked fill level (1/2 tube)
4. Seal the container well.
5. Label the container with your name and sample date
6. Place it in the shipping container (brown lid) and seal it carefully.
7. If necessary, store the sample in the refrigerator at 4-8°C until shipping, but do not freeze!

Microbiome sample tube

1. Take the microbiome sample tube with the white lid out of the resealable bag.
2. First, label the sticker with your name and sample date
3. Now open the sample tube: Hold the transparent tube with one hand and the blue adapter above it with the thumb and forefinger of the same hand.
4. Turn the white stick counterclockwise with the thumb and forefinger of the other hand and pull out the white sampling rod.
5. Insert the tip of the white stick into the stool sample at three different locations.Ensure that only the grooves of the tip are completely filled with stool.
6. Insert the stool sample-covered collection stick through the blue adapter into the transparent tube to remove excess stool material.
7. Turn the white cap clockwise until it locks into the blue adapter. Locking it prevents the stabilizer from leaking.
8. Place the sample tube into the shipping container and seal it carefully.
9. Store the sample in the refrigerator at 4-8 °C until shipping, but do not freeze!

Step 3: Shipping

1. For shipping, place the shipping containers with the samples into the shipping bag. Seal it carefully by removing the protective film on the inside of the adhesive strip and pressing the closure points firmly together.
2. Shipping should take place from Monday to Thursday.
3. Bring the sample to the post office by the next day at the latest.

⭐️ Congratulations – now you can look forward to your results! ⭐️