We often get asked: Can you test other things in the same stool sample? Below is an overview of common stool test types and what InnerBuddies does and does not provide.
Our gut microbiome test uses DNA sequencing to analyze your gut bacteria and translates the results into personalized nutrition advice, food diary and supplement suggestions.
Some providers test a fixed list of about 20 to 40 bacteria using a panel approach. It is often cheaper, but provides a more limited picture than DNA sequencing.
Detection of parasites via microscopy or PCR, typically ordered via a clinician or lab for specific symptoms or travel history.
Marker for intestinal inflammation. Typically requested via a clinician for medical triage and interpretation.
Screening test for blood in stool, usually part of a preventive or medical pathway via a healthcare provider.
Targeted testing for specific pathogens, often relevant for acute symptoms.
Markers such as elastase or fat residue (lab dependent), sometimes used when digestion issues are suspected.
Some advanced programs use shotgun metagenomics to profile microbial DNA in more detail. InnerBuddies offers this as part of its Gut Health Operating System for B2B customers. It is not included in the consumer (B2C) test sold on the InnerBuddies website.
Learn more about the Gut Health Operating System
Not every stool test answers the same question. A budget panel can be useful for a quick, limited snapshot. But if you want to understand your gut flora in more depth and what to do next, a microbiome test based on DNA sequencing is typically more informative.
Tip: Choose a test based on your goal. For medical diagnostics, a healthcare provider is typically needed. For gut microbiome insights and practical guidance, InnerBuddies is the better fit.
Note: InnerBuddies focuses on a microbiome test and personalized guidance. For medical diagnostics such as inflammation markers, occult blood, or pathogens, a healthcare provider is typically required.
Summary: InnerBuddies provides a microbiome test, a gut microbiome test with DNA sequencing and personalized nutrition advice.