See exactly what's happening in your gut
When digestive symptoms have dragged on for months or years, guessing gets expensive. Another elimination diet, another probiotic, another round of hoping this one works.
A comprehensive stool test replaces the guesswork with data. It shows which bacteria live in your gut, whether anything unwelcome has moved in, how well you’re digesting your food and whether your gut is inflamed.
I use two tests, the GI360 and GutID, depending on what we need to find out. Then I turn your results into a clear plan, so you know exactly what to work on and why.
When a stool test is worth doing
A stool test may be worth considering if you recognise any of these:
- IBS, bloating, wind or abdominal pain that hasn’t improved with diet changes
- Constipation, loose stools or urgency
- Symptoms that started after travel, food poisoning or a course of antibiotics
- Reacting to more and more foods
- Suspected SIBO, candida or parasites
- Skin issues, fatigue, low mood or hormone problems that may be gut-driven
- Wanting a proper baseline before investing in supplements and probiotics
If you want to understand how stool testing fits into the bigger picture, read about how I work with IBS and digestive issues.
The tests I use
Both tests are done at home from a small stool sample. They look at your gut from different angles.
| GI360 by Doctor’s Data | GutID | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Active symptoms, suspected infection or parasites, inflammation and digestion problems | A deep, strain-level picture of your gut bacteria and long-term gut health |
| How it works | PCR, culture and microscopy, used together | High-resolution DNA sequencing of gut bacteria |
| Infections | Bacteria, viruses and parasites, including common pathogens | Bacterial pathogens |
| Gut bacteria | 45+ key organisms, measured for abundance and diversity | Species and strain level, diversity, resilience and beneficial bacteria |
| Digestion and inflammation | Calprotectin, lactoferrin, elastase, fat digestion, secretory IgA, occult blood, short-chain fatty acids and pH | Bacterial markers linked to IBS, SIBO, IBD and gut barrier health |
| Also includes | A Dysbiosis Index score from 1 to 5 showing how far your gut is from a healthy balance | Antibiotic resistance genes and personalised food and supplement suggestions |
Sources: Doctor’s Data GI360 and GutID.
Which test is right for you?
The GI360 is my go-to when symptoms are active and we need to rule things out: an infection, a parasite, inflammation, or poor digestion of fats and proteins. It also shows how well your gut immune system is coping.
GutID goes deeper into your gut bacteria themselves, down to individual strains. It is brilliant for understanding why your gut is fragile, rebuilding after antibiotics, or optimising long-term gut health. It doesn’t measure inflammation markers like calprotectin, so it isn’t the right first test if inflammation is a concern.
Sometimes we use both. We’ll decide on your strategy call based on your symptoms, history and goals.
How it works
- Book a strategy call so we can choose the right test for you.
- Your kit arrives at home with simple instructions.
- Collect your sample and send it to the lab.
- I analyse your results alongside your symptoms and history.
- We meet online to go through everything, and you leave with a clear, step-by-step gut plan.
Stool testing FAQs
How long do stool test results take?
It depends on the test and shipping. GI360 results usually come back within a couple of weeks of the lab receiving your sample. GutID takes around 4 to 5 weeks for UK samples.
Is a stool test the same as a food intolerance test?
No. A stool test looks at your gut itself: bacteria, infections, digestion and inflammation. Food intolerance (IgG) tests measure immune reactions to foods, which usually reflect a leaky gut rather than true intolerances.
Can a stool test diagnose IBS?
IBS is diagnosed by your doctor. A stool test helps find the drivers behind your symptoms, such as dysbiosis, infection or poor digestion, which a standard IBS diagnosis doesn’t explain.
Will a stool test show SIBO?
Not directly, as SIBO happens in the small intestine. A breath test is the standard way to check for it. Stool markers can still give useful clues, and I’ll recommend a breath test if SIBO looks likely.
What if my results show inflammation or blood?
Some markers, like calprotectin or occult blood, may need follow-up with your doctor. I’ll explain what your results mean and write to your GP if further checks are needed.
Can I do the test outside the UK?
Yes. I work with clients internationally and all consultations are online. Get in touch and I’ll confirm which test can be shipped to your country.
