Your first test establishes your starting point. Repeating it allows you to compare samples collected at different times and observe changes in your microbiome's composition, diversity or potential functions:
• Track changes. See how your microbiome changes after adjusting your diet, taking probiotics or completing antibiotic treatment.
• Discuss the results with a professional. If you are following a plan with a doctor or nutritionist, you can assess the changes together.
• See whether changes last. The microbiome tends to return to its previous state if new habits are not maintained.
Differences between two analyses may reflect diet, medication, bowel transit, natural variation or changes in the analysis version. On their own, they therefore do not demonstrate that an intervention has worked or that your health has improved.
There is no universally recommended interval: timing depends on what you want to observe and your circumstances. If you want to see how your microbiome has responded to a sustained change, it makes more sense to repeat the test after a few months than after a few days. For a useful comparison, define what you want to observe and collect the sample under similar conditions: following your usual diet, without recent antibiotic use or acute digestive problems, and always using Vivabioma. If follow-up testing forms part of your healthcare, agree the timing with your healthcare professional.
Each repeat test requires a new kit and sample, and your previous reports remain in your account. All our tests use the same technology, so you can use a repeat test as an opportunity to move to Advanced or Ultra, and the three-consultation package is designed to support your follow-up. You can buy your next kit in our online shop.