FAQ

Who is the microbiota analysis for?

The microbiota analysis is for anyone who wants to know the bacterial composition of their microbiota.

At what point should the analysis be performed?

The collection can be carried out at any time. However, it is recommended to perform the analysis at least one month after any treatment (antibiotics, probiotics,…). However, in the case of a chronic treatment that cannot be interrupted, the analysis can be carried out without stopping the treatment.

How long does it take for your results to be returned?

As soon as we receive your sample at the laboratory, the time needed to analyse your microbiota is 1 month. You will be able to follow the progress of your analysis in real time on your iBiote space.

How long and how should the sample be stored?

Once the stool collection has been completed, you have 7 days to send your sample to our laboratory.

The stabilising solution in the collection tube ensures that the sample is stored in good conditions at room temperature. Once the stool has been collected and identified, simply close the sample tube (brown cap) and place it in the transport tube (yellow cap) provided for this purpose.

How do I perform the test?

An explanatory leaflet is given to you with your kit and an explanatory video is available on the iBiote website.

Sampling conditions :

  • Urinate if necessary before putting on the cuvette protector.
  • Once your stool has been passed, immediately take a level spoon from the stool using the plastic spoon attached to the cap and place it in the sample tube (brown cap). The spoon should be immersed in the stabilising solution. The volume must not exceed the blue line on the sample tube.
  •  Failure to comply with this sampling rule may result in the analysis being cancelled.

     

  • Insert the sample tube (brown cap) into the transport tube (yellow cap).
  • You can now return your sample to us in the iBiote box, after sticking the supplied return label on the box.
  • There are several ways to do this  :

  • You can return your sample to the Alphabio laboratory located at 1 rue Melchior Guinot 13003 Marseille.
  • Deposit your iBiote box in your mailbox, after making a request on laposte.fr/retourbal.
  • Deposit of your box in the post office.
  • What is the benefit of performing microbiota analysis?

    The iBiote test will reveal a possible loss of bacterial diversity in your intestinal microbiota. Depending on the bacterial composition of your microbiota, your doctor may advise you to supplement with certain probiotic strains or other supplements that are favourable to the restoration of your microbiota

    How and with whom should I interpret my results?

    When you register, you are asked to inform a referring doctor. He will also receive your personalised report and will be able to assist you in interpreting your results.

    If you have not informed a referring doctor, you can contact a nutritionist, internist or general practitioner.

    Why choose iBiote?

    Our Research and Development (R&D) department is composed of a young and dynamic multidisciplinary team. It has actively participated in research on human microbiota with the help of a team of medical specialists, researchers and nutritionists from the European Hospital, thus creating the iBiote range.

    Why fill out a questionnaire?

    The questionnaire will contribute to an in-depth analysis of the microbiota and its imbalances.

    The interpretation of the microbiota takes into account your lifestyle habits, medical history (birth, breastfeeding, pathologies, treatments…) as well as other factors that can influence the microbiota such as: age, sex, BMI,… or your consumption habits (diet).

    What's in my iBiote box?

  • The iBiote box user guide.
  • Stool collection protocol.
  • The iBiote kit (sample tube and its transport tube, a cuvette protector, gloves and an alcohol wipe).
  • The return label for shipping your sample to the laboratory.
  • What can you see in my microbiota?

    Your microbiota is analyzed by new generation 16S sequencing to isolate the bacteria that populate your intestine. Currently, we do not analyze the viruses and fungi that reside in your intestine, this is the subject of research to offer you this analysis soon.