Gut Microbiome Test
Gut Microbiome Test
Chronic constipation, diarrhea, or unexplained skin issues may be linked to an imbalance in your gut environment. At Hamada Hospital, a 2-minute walk from Ochanomizu Station, we offer a Gut Microbiome Test to easily visualize your gut flora. This test uses a simple at-home stool sample to analyze the types and proportions of bacteria in your intestines, including good and bad bacteria, diversity, and even potential disease risks. Understanding your unique gut profile is the first step toward personalized dietary and lifestyle improvements.
This test is recommended for those who:
- Suffer from chronic constipation or diarrhea.
- Have tried various gut health strategies without seeing results.
- Want to understand the cause of skin trouble, allergies, or persistent fatigue.
- Wish to objectively monitor their gut environment alongside treatment for IBD or IBS.
- Aim to boost immunity and prepare for future lifestyle-related disease risks.
Test Process & Fee
- Receive a stool collection kit during your hospital visit.
- Collect your sample at home following the instructions and mail it directly to the lab.
- Your detailed analysis report will be mailed to you from our hospital in about 4-6 weeks.
- This test is available as an option with our health checkups or as a standalone service.
- Fee: 22,000 JPY (tax included). This test is not covered by public health insurance.
English support is available. Book an appointment →
Hamada Hospital, Obatakai Medical Foundation
2-5 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 (2-min walk from Ochanomizu Station)
Tel: 03-5280-1166 | Online booking available
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. 1. Are there any dietary or medication restrictions before taking the test?
A. There are no strict restrictions, but for a few days before the test, please avoid extreme changes to your diet (for example, sudden fasting or eating large amounts of only certain foods). Maintaining your usual eating habits allows a more accurate assessment of your everyday gut environment. If you are taking any medication, please consult with a doctor when applying for the test.
Q. 2. The report seems difficult to read. Can you explain it to me?
A. The result report explains even specialized content in an easy-to-understand way using diagrams and graphs. In addition, based on your results, you can receive dietary and nutritional guidance from a doctor or registered dietitian (separate reservation and fee required). If you would like more specific advice tailored to your own gut environment, please feel free to consult us.
Q. 3. Is it okay to collect a stool sample during menstruation?
A. Because contamination with menstrual blood may prevent accurate test results, we ask that you avoid collecting your stool sample during your menstrual period. Please collect the sample at a time when you are feeling well.
Q. 4. Please tell me how to apply for the test and the cost.
A. The gut microbiota (intestinal flora) test can be applied for as an optional test with various comprehensive medical checkups (Ningen Dock) and health examinations, or through an outpatient visit. For the fee, please check the page below.
Q. What is the difference from self-directed gut care, such as eating yogurt?
A. With self-directed gut care, it can be difficult to know whether it suits your current gut environment. The gut microbiota test lets you understand, as objective data, which bacteria are present in your intestines and in what proportions, including their composition and diversity. The major difference is that, based on the results, you can obtain concrete hints for reviewing a diet and lifestyle that better suit you.
Q. Is collecting a stool sample for the test painful or difficult?
A. Please rest assured. The test is not painful. It is a simple test in which you collect a stool sample at home. You will be given a dedicated collection kit, and you simply follow the instructions to collect a rice-grain-sized amount of stool, place it in the container, and submit it. It is designed to be done hygienically and can be done at the time of your normal bowel movement, so you can take the test without much burden.
Q. When will I receive the results, and what can I learn from them?
A. fter you mail the test kit from home, the result report arrives in about 4 to 6 weeks. The report shows the diversity of your gut bacteria, the balance of various bacteria (such as beneficial bacteria, harmful bacteria, and opportunistic bacteria), and the proportion of bacteria related to weight gain tendency and health maintenance. You can learn your gut environment type and use it as a reference when considering your future lifestyle habits.
Q. Do I need to prepare, such as by restricting my diet, before the test?
A. Since the purpose is to assess your everyday gut environment, no special dietary restrictions or preparation are basically required before the test. Please take the test while maintaining your usual eating and lifestyle habits. However, if you are taking antibacterial drugs (antibiotics), they may affect the balance of your gut bacteria, so we recommend taking the test after finishing the medication and allowing some time to pass.
Q. How should I make use of my test results? Also, is insurance applicable?
A. t our center, based on your test results, we provide advice on improving your future diet and lifestyle habits. Knowing the tendencies of your own gut environment can be expected to help with your daily health management. Please note that the gut microbiota test is a self-pay (out-of-pocket) service performed as part of a health checkup, so public medical insurance does not apply. Please feel free to contact us for details.
This page is medically supervised by Hamada Hospital (Obatakai Medical Foundation).