Microbiome Test Kit

The Standard Process Microbiome Test Kit, Powered by BIOHM®, is used to assess the gut microbiome’s diversity and provide suggestions towards a healthier lifestyle.

The Standard Process Microbiome Test Kit is a two-part assessment which is derived from:

Gut microbiome analysis using next generation genetic sequencing of a stool sample to discover the diversity of the bacteria and fungi that live in your patient’s gut, and
A Lifestyle Questionnaire that is completed by the patient when the test is registered on the software portal.

As part of the test, you and your patient will receive a comprehensive and personalized Gut Report outlining:

• Microbiome diversity
• Phyla balance
• Presence of beneficial species
• Presence of pathogenic species

In addition to microbiome analysis, the Gut Report includes individualized recommendations and/or insights (that may include Standard Process and MediHerb® products) based on test results. It will provide additional information to assist patients and health care professionals to:

• Measure. Taking supplements and modifying diet and lifestyle does not guarantee a balanced microbiome – it must be measured.
• Modify. With results and insights from the Gut Report, you will have the tools to personalize supplement choices, as well as diet and lifestyle modifications.
  Monitor. Track how dietary, lifestyle, and supplement changes affect the Gut Score™.

What is microbiome testing?

Microbiome testing is the use of next generation genetic sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to compare a patient’s microbiome with that of a normal/healthy individual. This will reveal the composition, balance and levels of bacteria and fungi inside of the gut from a stool sample.

Why has Standard Process partnered with BIOHM to create a gut microbiome test

• BIOHM has completed thousands of consumer gut microbiome tests,
• Recognized expertise in bacterial and fungal interactions,
• Uses the 16S and ITS rRNA sequencing for microbiome analysis — the gold standard for bacterial and fungal sequencing
• Validated and standardized testing methods used in 100+ research studies, and
• Easy-to-understand report based on well-established research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of knowing if the microbiome is balanced?

A diverse and robust microbiome may help support digestive health, brain health, and overall health.

How do I complete the microbiome test?

1. Practitioner orders the kit  
Use the same convenient methods you use to order all Standard Process products.

2. Practitioner completes one-time registration as a health care practitioner via BIOHM’s portal
Health care practitioner must register at biohmtesting.standardprocess.com/hcp and complete the one-time registration. You’ll receive an email invitation with the link as soon as you place your order. You and your patients will not be able to view the completed Gut Report unless you have registered as a health care professional.

3. Patient registers the Microbiome Test Kit
After purchasing the test from a health care practitioner, patient registers their kit online at biohmtesting.standardprocess.com/register. Using the unique Kit ID (included in each kit) and a searchable field, patient registers the kit under their health care practitioner’s name.

If a health care professional is personally using the kit for themselves (i.e., as a patient), then the health care professional must separately register as a patient, in addition to registering as a health care professional. Please note that you cannot use the same email address for your provider portal access and patient portal access. The email addresses must be unique.

Email verification: Please check the Promotions Folder and/or Junk Mail for the email verification email to complete the registration process.

Two-factor authentication: A cell phone number is preferred for the two-factor authentication. If you or your patient only has a land line, there is an option to “Send Audio Code” to a landline during the Account Registration Process. Enter your phone number and click the “Send Audio Code” button to receive a phone call with the verification code that you can enter when registering. (There is an option to click the “Send Audio Code” button again if you do not hear it the first time.)

4. Patient collects stool sample
Patient follows simple instructions provided on the kit to prepare and collect their stool sample.

5. Patient mails sample 
Patient places the stool sample in the mail (USPS) by using the pre-paid return envelope provided with the kit. It is sent to the BIOHM laboratory.

6. BIOHM Testing
The patient’s sample is analyzed at BIOHM’s laboratory through a process consisting of seven different stages.

7. Receive and Review Gut Report
After testing is completed, the Gut Report, which includes the Gut Score™ and Insights Report (diet, lifestyle and product recommendations), is sent to the health care professional. The health care professional will receive an email notification to review and release the report to their patient. Once the Gut Report is released by the health care practitioner in the portal, the patient will receive an email notification that their report is ready. It includes a printable PDF version of the Gut Score™ and Insights report that the health care practitioner may review with the patient to discuss their individualized diet, lifestyle, and supplement insights.

For PC and MAC instructions on printing the report, please click here.

8. Monitor   
The patient’s diet, lifestyle, and supplement changes can be tracked. Retest every 4 to 6 months to track microbiome levels over time.

After the sample is received by BIOHM, what are the stages of testing?

1. Stage 1: Quality Control
The submitted sample will be checked to ensure it has enough fecal material to be processed and obtain accurate results

2. Stage 2: DNA Extraction
Bacterial and fungal DNA are extracted from the sample

3. Stage 3: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Millions of copies of the submitted DNA will be generated so that a more accurate measurement can be determined

4. Stage 4: Library Preparation
A library of each sample’s bacterial and fungal DNA will be prepared and then identified through the sequencing process

5. Stage 5: Sequencing
In the final stage of fungal and bacteria sequencing, the microorganisms are identified, summarized, and then prepared for a personalized report

6. Stage 6: Report Generation
Each unique microbiome profile is compiled, analyzed, and then compared to the levels of bacteria and fungi in the normal population

7. Stage 7: Wellness Recommendations
The final report is reviewed by a microbiome-trained registered nutritionist who will provide wellness recommendations to balance your overall digestive health.

What’s included in the Gut Report?

The Gut Report includes the following two parts: 

• Gut Score™
• Insights
  • Diet Insights
  • Lifestyle Insights
  • Supplement Recommendations
  • Product Considerations

Please note the Insights are only included for individuals over the age of 18.

How long will it take to process my Microbiome Test?

Sample processing typically takes 4 – 6 weeks from the time the sample is received at the lab.

How is the Gut Score™ derived and what is a desirable Gut Score™?

Your Gut Score™ is based on four criteria: your Microbiome Diversity, your Phyla Balance, your Beneficial Species levels, and your Pathogenic Species levels. The report breaks down your scores for each of the criteria making up the Gut Score™ so that you can better see where the imbalances lie. However, the four criteria considered for the Gut Score™ aren’t all equal! Your overall Phyla Balance, for instance, is a far more important piece of the equation and overall health of your microbiome than your Beneficial Species.

The overall Gut Score™ is scaled from 1 to 10, with 1 suggesting potentially serious imbalance(s) and 10 suggesting a potentially robust microbiome. Each of the four (4) criteria (patient’s microbiome data, Microbiome Diversity, Phyla Balance, the Beneficial Species, and the Pathogenic Species) used to calculate the Gut Score™ are also individually scored from 1-10.

Gut Score™    Microbiome Insight(s)
 
1-3         A Gut Score™ between 1 and 3 suggests multiple deviations from the optimal, which may negatively impact digestive health and is associated with dysbiosis and the various health conditions that go with such shifts.
 
4 to 6     A Gut Score™ between 4 and 6 suggests a few imbalances, but on the right track.

7 to 10     A Gut Score™ of 7+ suggests the microbiome is in balance. A desirable Gut Score™ suggests that the patient’s microbiome is in a balanced state, consistent with the published literature for a healthy gut. The goal is to shift one’s score as close to 10 as possible.

What can be done to support an imbalanced microbiome?

Based on the particular insights in a patient’s Gut Report, an imbalanced microbiome may best supported by modifications to diet, lifestyle, and intake of dietary supplements. These changes may collectively help encourage beneficial (good) strains while helping to support phyla balance and diversity.

Which Standard Process or MediHerb supplements can help support the microbiome?

Standard Process and MediHerb have a number of supplements that — along with diet and lifestyle changes — can help support the microbiome. A health care practitioner’s product recommendations will be based on a number of factors, including Gut Report results and measurable starting levels.

Is this Microbiome Test HIPAA compliant?

The BIOHM Healthcare Portal utilizes industry-standard privacy protection that includes, but is not limited to, the use of multifactor authentication settings for access to privileged accounts or files. BIOHM itself is not subject to HIPAA, since neither BIOHM nor Standard Process is acting on behalf of the health care practitioners. The health care practitioners are instructed not to disclose any health information to either Standard Process or BIOHM, and the Microbiome Test itself is a cash-only test that is not eligible for insurance reimbursement. Instead, the patient completes a written HIPAA authorization in which the patient authorizes any use or disclosure of his or her health information that may occur throughout the process.

How private is the information and test results?

BIOHM does not share sequencing data, Gut Report results or patient survey responses with third parties, except as permitted by the terms of service that are agreed to as part of registration process, which includes sharing such information with a patient’s health care practitioner in order to provide the services, or using it in an aggregated, anonymized or de-identified manner for research purposes.

How long should I wait to retest after I implement an improvement plan?

It is suggested to retest every 4 - 6 months to track microbiome levels over time.

Are there any special requirements for New York State?

All Microbiome Test Kits sold into New York State are required to have the stool sample shipped back from outside New York State.

Who do I contact with questions?

If there are questions regarding registration, your account, password reset, or accessing the portal, please contact us at microbiometest@standardprocess.com or 262-495-8270. Patient should connect with their health care practitioner to discuss questions on the Gut Report results, product recommendations, or lifestyle recommendations. Health care practitioners should contact their sales representative or the Education Team at education@standardprocess.com for further questions on the Microbiome Test Kit.

Complementary Educational Tools

• Microbiome Test Kit Brochure
• Microbiome Test Kit Display Insert
• Provider Portal Process (Step by Step Instructions)
• Patient Portal Process (Step by Step Instructions)
• Gut Test Report Stages

Complementary Educational Tools for Health Care Professionals

Webinar: Reading the Microbiome Test Kit Report with BIOHMv

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