Gut Testing Australia
Gut testing broadly includes stool-based analysis and breath testing. Stool tests measure a range of microbial and gastrointestinal markers from a collected sample, while breath tests measure specified gases in breath samples following administration of a test substrate. These approaches provide different types of information and are generally selected according to the question being investigated.
These tests are commonly used alongside practitioner guidance when additional information may be useful in understanding digestive concerns. The appropriate test depends on the individual situation, the information being sought, and the clinical context.
Key principle: Different tests provide different types of information. Breath testing measures specified gases in breath samples following administration of a test substrate, while stool testing measures specified microbial and gastrointestinal markers. The appropriate test depends on the question being investigated and the individual clinical context.
Gut testing products at Fairfield Nutrition
| Product | Brand | Test Type | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor’s Data GI 360 Test | Doctor’s Data | Stool analysis | Stool-based test reporting a range of microbial and gastrointestinal markers. |
| Complete Microbiome GI-Map Test | Nutripath | Stool analysis | Stool-based test with at-home sample collection, reporting a range of microbial and gastrointestinal markers. |
| Lactulose SIBO Breath Test | – | Breath analysis | Uses timed breath samples following lactulose administration and measures hydrogen and methane. |
How gut testing products differ
The main distinction between these tests is the type of sample analysed and the information reported. Stool analysis and breath testing provide different information and are not interchangeable.
- Stool analysis: The GI 360 (Doctor’s Data) and GI-Map (Nutripath) analyse stool samples and report a range of microbial and gastrointestinal markers. The panels differ in methodology and in the specific markers included, so the choice between them may depend on the information being sought and practitioner preference.
- Breath testing: The Lactulose SIBO Breath Test uses timed breath samples following lactulose administration and measures hydrogen and methane. It provides different information from stool testing and may be selected when that information is relevant to the question being investigated.
Part of the Fairfield Framework
Understand
Testing sits mostly in the Understand stage. It can provide additional information before deciding whether more targeted support is appropriate. In most cases, the sequence is:
| Stage | What it means for testing |
|---|---|
| Notice | Identify patterns in symptoms, triggers, timing, digestion, energy, sleep, or recovery. |
| Understand | Use testing when the information it provides is relevant to the question being investigated. |
| Support | Consider foundational factors such as food, sleep, stress, protein, fibre, and nutrient intake. |
| Intervene | Consider more targeted approaches when there is sufficient context to understand why they are being used. |
Learn more about our Framework
If you are uncertain which test is appropriate for your situation, consider discussing your options with a suitably qualified healthcare practitioner. The choice of test should reflect the information being sought and the individual clinical context.
All gut testing products stocked at Fairfield Nutrition are shown below.
