Microbiomix

What this laboratory test evaluates

A New Way to Assess the Microbiome
In the era of microbiome research, we are beginning to see that our gut microbiome has more control over our health than we ever knew. Until now, we have only seen the tip of the iceberg. The latest technology and ongoing research shows us that the microbiome is one of the most important health indicators.

Microbiomix offers metagenomic shotgun/whole genome sequencing to assess your patient's complete gut microbiome as well as its potential function. Metagenomics is considered the gold standard method to study the gut microbiota.

Genova is proud to offer this test in collaboration with Microba, who have world-leading technology in metagenomic analysis and interpretation.

Microbiomix is available as a stand-alone profile or as an add-on to GI Effects Comprehensive Profile.

Microbiomix complements the information provided on the GI Effects. This additional information may reveal treatable abnormalities that are not seen on GI Effects.

What Does Microbiomix Offer?
The Microbiomix platform detects bacteria, fungi, protists, and archaea amounting to over 28,000 species. Each person's microbiome contains over 200 species, all listed in the personalized report. Includes identification of species that may confer pathogenic potential, such as Bacteroides fragilis and the fragilysin toxin.

Microbiomix assesses gas producing organisms including methane-producers and hydrogen sulfide-producers. The Microbiomix platform identifies newly discovered species that may not be well known to science and can see how they may be contributing to overall health.

Microbiomix assesses the genetic potential to form unique metabolites such as hexa-LPS, TMA, histamine, vitamin production, branched chain amino acids, urease, GABA, hydrogen sulfide, and many others – thus providing MORE information to help understand a patient's condition.

Many metabolites can be transported across the intestinal barrier and into the body's circulation. Microbial metabolites interact with our nervous system, immune, and metabolic functions to influence our overall health. Some of these metabolites promote good health while others promote inflammation and disease.

Shannon Diversity Index
This metric is well-represented in the literature and is used to assess overall microbiome health. A diverse microbiome is ideal and is associated with greater health.

Specific, actionable recommendations
Tailored recommendations improve microbiome health which can influence overall health. Easy-to-understand descriptions on how to modify microbiome potential with diet

When would I consider ordering Microbiomix?
Gut microbiome research has revealed the impact the gut has on every system in the body. The metabolites produced by the microbiome are bioactive and influence human health. Microbiomix offers a broader look at the microbiome's ability to produce these metabolites and therefore potentially prevent future chronic disease and promote optimal health.

Clinicians often order stool testing to assess GI symptoms such as: • Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Gas
• Bloating
• Abdominal discomfort
• Indigestion

Additionally, since it is becoming recognized that the gut microbiome influences overall health, clinicians are beginning to look to the gut for numerous other health conditions including: • Allergies/asthma
• Cardiovascular disease
• Mood disorders (i.e., depression)
• Autoimmune disease
• Metabolic diseases (i.e., insulin resistance, diabetes)
• Nutritional deficiencies

How does Microbiomix differ from other profiles?
Metagenomic analysis heavily depends on reference databases. Genova leverages Microba's Analysis Platform, which is unmatched in the industry with the ability to detect over 28,000 species. The reference database contains several tens of thousands of microorganisms, many of which do not exist in public databases. This enables our analysis to identify at least 25% more DNA than other metagenomic classifiers with access to a faster, more accurate approach than other analysis methods.

This growing microbial genome database uses the most scientifically advanced microbial taxonomy and complete database of bacterial and archaeal genomes currently available.

Regular updates to this world-leading database with new genomes enables improved species identification from samples. Whole genome sequencing is a complete microbiome assessment detecting bacteria, fungi, protists, and archaea. While PCR can be helpful for known pathogens, mutations will not be detected. PCR can also be limited in the ability to detect every organism.

Validity and accuracy studies show superior performance compared to other platforms. Depth of sequencing the DNA is important for complete analysis. Reducing the depth of sequencing by performing fewer reads can reduce cost, however, it also compromises the quality.

Genova performs a complete analysis of a patient's microbiome to deliver the highest quality information. Metagenomics assesses DNA, whereas metatranscriptomics assesses RNA. DNA is more stable to assess. RNA provides a snapshot in time and may not be indicative of the long-term microbiome status.

Additional test information

While the gut microbiome's importance to overall health is well-established, new technologies are expanding our understanding. The Microbiomix is a collaboration between Genova and Microba, a world leader in metagenomic analysis and interpretation. It provides whole genome sequencing to assess your patient’s complete gut biome as well as its potential function. This panel can complement the information provided on the GI Effect, as it may provide a clearer picture of treatable abnormalities that are not revealed by the GI Effect.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Stool
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should arrive 30 business days after the lab receives samples.

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.

Related Sunridge care

Learn how Sunridge approaches Digestive Conditions and ask whether this test is appropriate for your clinical question.