Comprehensive Stool Test
Sample: Stool (at home)
Turnaround time: 3-4 weeks, once sample is returned to the lab.
Price: £588 (test + 45-minute test review)
Your gut and your mood are in constant conversation. The bacteria living in your gut produce compounds that influence inflammation, neurotransmitter activity and the vagus nerve, the direct line of communication between gut and brain. When that balance is disrupted, it doesn't only show up as bloating or irregular bowels, it can also show up as low mood, anxiety, fatigue or a general sense of not feeling like yourself, alongside digestive symptoms that standard tests haven't explained.
This test is particularly relevant if you have chronic or unexplained gut symptoms, if you suspect your mood or energy has a gut connection, or if you've already had a basic gut test and want a more detailed, evidence-based picture.
About this test
The MetaXplore Comprehensive Stool Test, run by Microba uses whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing, a DNA-based method that reads all the microbial material in your sample rather than checking against a fixed list of species. This means it can identify bacteria, fungi, parasites and other organisms that more basic gut tests can miss, alongside a detailed look at how your gut is functioning.
Why test your gut health?
Your gut plays a central role in digestion, immune regulation, hormone balance and mood. When gut bacteria, inflammation or digestive function are out of balance, symptoms can show up well beyond digestion itself, including in how you feel day to day.
This test helps you:
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Identify bacterial, parasitic or fungal overgrowth
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Assess inflammation, gut barrier integrity and immune activity
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Understand your digestion and nutrient absorption
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Measure short-chain fatty acids, which support metabolic and immune health
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Build a personalised plan for restoring gut balance, based on your results
What this test measures
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Gut microbiome mapping: DNA analysis of thousands of bacterial, fungal and other microbial species, and how they interact
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Pathogen screening: detection of bacteria, parasites or fungi that may be causing symptoms
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Digestive function: markers of how well you're digesting and absorbing food
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Inflammation and immunity: markers of gut barrier integrity and mucosal immune activity
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Short-chain fatty acids: beneficial compounds that support metabolic and immune health
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These findings help pinpoint what's driving your symptoms, and shape a targeted nutrition and lifestyle plan.
Who is this for?
This test may be right for you if you experience:
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Bloating, gas or abdominal discomfort
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Constipation, diarrhoea, or bowel habits that keep changing
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Fatigue or low energy linked to poor nutrient absorption
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Low mood or anxiety that hasn't been explained by standard checks
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Skin conditions such as acne, eczema or rosace
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Suspected gut dysbiosis, SIBO or leaky gut
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Wanting to understand and support your gut health for the long term
Price includes your test kit and 45-minute results review appointment.
This test is only available to adults aged 18 and over.
Your questions answered
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my test?
Full instructions for your specific test are sent to you when you place your order, and are also included in your kit when it arrives. As long as you follow these carefully, no other preparation is needed.
I'm currently taking medication or supplements, will this interfere with my test?
Some medications and supplements can affect certain test results. Full details of what to be aware of for your specific test are included in your sample instructions, so please read these carefully before you begin.
Is postage included?
Yes, postage is included in the price of every test.
Are tests available internationally?
Yes. If you're ordering from outside the UK, email us at info@urbanwellness.co.uk first and we'll let you know the additional postage cost before you order.
Who do I contact if I have an issue with my test?
Email us at info@urbanwellness.co.uk and we'll help.
Do I have to have the 45-minute results review, can I not just buy the test?
No, the review is included and isn't optional. Our governing body, BANT, recommends we review all test results with you, so we can personalise them to your individual health picture and make the right recommendations. Results found through internet searches or AI tools are often misread out of context, and your review appointment is also your chance to ask questions and leave with clear, practical next steps, rather than working through the science alone.