Sample acceptance criteria for Gut Microbiota test
- Samples should be free from external contaminants (e.g., urine, water, foreign objects, chemicals).
- Containers must be not leaking or damaged.
- Samples must be properly labelled.
- Samples should not be collected if the patient has taken antibiotics* within the last 4 weeks. Antibiotics can significantly alter the gut microbiome, leading to failure of the test or inaccurate test results. *If any of the following broad-spectrum antibiotics were taken: Meropenem, Entamicin, or Vancomycin, it is advised to take the test after 2 months, since treatment ended.
- Avoid collecting samples if the patient has taken laxatives or any medicine to control diarrhea.