How do I collect my stool sample?

1. For Healthpath customers who have purchased the Plan or Package options, complete your symptom survey online by logging on to your Healthpath account dasboard prior to testing to enable the personalised interpretation of results by your practitioner.

4. Stop taking any probiotics 14 days before you take the test. Ideally wait 4 weeks after taking antibiotics before you take the test. For further information on other medications and supplements, read our article: I take supplements or medications. What should I do before doing a Gut Health Test?

6. Samples MUST be posted within 12 hours of collection. Keep them cool in the meantime, although there's no need to keep them in the fridge (and please do NOT freeze).

7. If you have any questions or issues with taking your sample according to the instructions provided, it is important you contact us before you send your sample to the lab. Healthpath cannot guarantee to intercept your sample once it arrives at the lab and so it may still be processed. Contact us on hello@healthpath.com.

1. Make sure you’ve prepared properly
Read the ‘IMPORTANT: read thoroughly before you take the test’ box on the first page. Check you have all the test kit contents using the list on the following page of the test instructions.

2. Get your test kit ready
Apply the pre-populated sample tube labels, found on the patient request form, to all test tubes. 

4. Collect your first sample in the test tube with the spoon-lid
Put on the gloves. Unscrew the lid from the test tube with the spoon-lid, and use the spoon to take samples from several different areas of the stool until the test tube is full right up to the max line.

5. Collect your second sample in the OmicSnap tube (yellow cap) 
Keep tube facing upwards to prevent spilling. Unscrew cap to access the lance. Do not remove the white base. Insert lance in four different areas of the stool until the lance is full. Return the lance back into the tube - do not spoon your sample directly into the tube. Turn the cap until it is closed and swirl the tube back and forth several times. Do NOT shake. 

6. Collect your third sample in the Haemoglobin tube (blue and yellow)
This step is only for test kits that include 3 sample tubes - please disregard this step if you test doesn't include the haemoglobin marker.
Hold the blue part of tube and unscrew the cap. Keep the tube vertical to avoid spills. Keep the blue piece in place on the tube. Insert yellow dosing tip in three different areas of the stool until the grooves of the tip are full. Put the stick back into the tube and turn the cap until it clicks. Do not remove the stick.

7. Secure your samples
Ensure you put the sample tubes inside the correct transport tubes. Refer to the Test Contents page if required for guidance. Remove the gloves and use the antibacterial wipe to clean your hands.

8. Package and post your samples

Along with your patient request form, put the transport tubes inside the pre-paid return envelope and return to the lab within 12 hours of collection. Please do NOT post on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Take your envelope to the Post Office to ensure the samples remain undamaged. Please note the tracking number (located under the barcode of the Tracked 24 label on your envelope).Your samples will first be sent to our partner in London then shipped via medical courier to our lab in Germany. You will receive an update once your samples arrive, up to 7 working days after posting.