A microbiome test is a stool test. You collect a small stool sample at home using the simple, easy-to-understand instructions provided, then post it to our specialist laboratory partner. Scientists use cutting-edge technology called 16S rRNA sequencing to analyse the trillions of bacteria living in your gut.

The Chuckling Goat Microbiome Test uses 16S rRNA sequencing to assess how well your gut microbiome is functioning. It examines seven key areas of gut and whole-body health: bacterial diversity, prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, pathogens, mental wellness and systemic wellness. In total, the test analyses 86 biomarkers and assessment scores to give a comprehensive picture of your gut health.

Your report includes:

• A detailed analysis of your gut microbiome across seven key areas, including bacterial diversity and levels of beneficial bacteria.
• Quantities of postbiotics produced by these bacteria, such as anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
• Identification of low-grade or hidden pathogen infections, including those that may have originated decades ago, for example from food poisoning or infections associated with the skin or water.
• Insight into biofilms, which can protect harmful bacteria and slow gut healing.
• Clear explanations of what your results mean for your health.

Your results are interpreted by a specially trained Nutritional Therapist, who will create a Personal Action Plan tailored specifically to you.

Your sample is analysed using advanced molecular sequencing technology at Cambridge Genomics Laboratory, University of Cambridge. Unlike conventional stool tests, this method identifies bacteria that cannot be grown in Petri dishes. It measures not only which bacteria are present, but also their proportions. It also uses 16S rRNA sequencing, the gold standard in clinical research. This provides a far more accurate and detailed picture of the microbiome than standard laboratory tests.

16S rRNA sequencing is a molecular technique used to identify and classify bacteria and archaea based on the sequence of their 16S ribosomal RNA gene. This gene contains highly conserved regions that are essential for cellular function, as well as variable regions that are unique to different species. By sequencing and comparing these variable regions, researchers can determine the microbial composition of a sample and infer evolutionary relationships between organisms. It is widely used in microbial ecology, epidemiology and biotechnology to provide insights into microbial diversity, community structure and function.

Scientific references discussing 16S rRNA sequencing include:

• Schloss, P. D., & Handelsman, J. (2005). Introducing DOTUR, a Computer Program for Defining Operational Taxonomic Units and Estimating Species Richness. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 71(3), 1501–1506. DOI: 10.1128/AEM.71.3.1501-1506.2005.
• Schloss, P. D., & Westcott, S. L. (2011). Assessing and improving methods used in operational taxonomic unit-based approaches for 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 77(10), 3219–3226. DOI: 10.1128/AEM.02810-10.
• Morgan, J. L., Darling, A. E., & Eisen, J. A. (2010). Metagenomic Sequencing of an In Vitro-Simulated Microbial Community. PLOS ONE, 5(4), e10209. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010209.
• Liu, Z., Lozupone, C., Hamady, M., Bushman, F. D., & Knight, R. (2007). Short pyrosequencing reads suffice for accurate microbial community analysis. Nucleic Acids Research, 35(18), e120. DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkm541.
• Wang, Y., & Qian, P.-Y. (2009). Conservative Fragments in Bacterial 16S rRNA Genes and Primer Design for 16S Ribosomal DNA Amplicons in Metagenomic Studies. PLOS ONE, 4(10), e7401. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007401.

If you have ever had food poisoning, a UTI, a dental infection, a hospital-acquired infection or a skin infection, it is possible that some of the bacteria may have migrated into your gut and are still lingering there in what is called a biofilm. This biofilm can be antibiotic-resistant and difficult to shift, and may still be present decades later. These low-grade infections may cause autoimmune symptoms over time. If your test identifies the presence of a biofilm infection in your gut, your Nutritional Therapist will be able to recommend an all-natural herbal antimicrobial to help address the pathogen levels.

After examining and working with other microbiome tests for many years, we created a wish list of the things we most wanted to change. The Chuckling Goat Microbiome Test includes:

• A simple, quick and easy-to-use test kit.
• A unique mental wellness section assessed using scientifically validated questionnaires.
• An overall systemic wellness score.
• Examination of the short-chain fatty acids butyrate, acetate and propionate.
• A comprehensive Personal Action Plan based on your microbial composition and diversity.
• Three free consultations with gut health experts and Nutritional Therapists, with an RRP of £140.
• Lifetime support and advice.
• A next-generation nucleic acid collection and preservation tube to help maintain sample stability and accuracy.
• A state-of-the-art interactive online platform where you can view and track your results.

Your test kit is shipped directly to your door so you can collect a small sample in the comfort of your home. Once collected, return the sample to the laboratory by dropping it into your nearest Royal Mail postbox, following the instructions provided with your kit. The laboratory will analyse your sample. When your results are ready, you will receive a free private consultation with one of our Nutritional Therapists, who will talk you through your results and provide your Personal Action Plan.

Full instructions are included in your test kit. Once you have collected your sample, send it back to the laboratory using the packaging provided.

No special diet is required before taking the test.

The Chuckling Goat Microbiome Test should arrive the next day with our free next-day delivery. Once you have taken the sample and dropped your kit into your nearest postbox, your laboratory results can take up to 25 working days to process from the date the sample is received at the laboratory. When you are notified that your results are ready, you can book your free consultation with one of our Nutritional Therapists.

You will receive the test kit, laboratory sequencing and a detailed data report. Your results are accompanied by a free 30-minute consultation with a trained Nutritional Therapist, who will explain your results, answer your questions and create your Personal Action Plan.

You also receive lifetime membership of our gut health tracker platform, where you can view your Personal Action Plan, log your daily gut health actions and track changes over time. Membership includes free lifetime support from our Nutritional Therapists, with no additional costs or hidden fees.

Your Personal Action Plan is not generalised diet advice. It is a set of straightforward, all-natural dietary interventions designed around your results. We work closely with our Scientific Advisory Board and scientists from Nottingham University and Cardiff University to provide the scientific basis for our Gut Health Protocol.

Yes. Your test includes a free 30-minute consultation to explain your results, a Personal Action Plan with evidence-based suggestions, and two complimentary 15-minute follow-up consultations at 6 and 12 weeks. You will also receive lifetime support and lifetime access to our interactive platform, where you can track your progress, habits and results. All recommendations are tailored specifically to your microbiome.

The test is suitable for adults aged 18 and over. Unlike some other tests, we do not exclude people managing health conditions including diabetes, IBS, coeliac disease, colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Please note that we cannot advise people undergoing active cancer treatment, although the test is suitable during recovery.

No. You must be at least 18 years old to use the Chuckling Goat Microbiome Test. Results are calibrated for an adult microbiome, which differs significantly from a child’s microbiome. We are exploring options for children’s testing in the future.

You may take the test at any time. The microbiome test provides a snapshot of your gut ecosystem in its current state. If you have recently taken antibiotics or other medication, there is no need to wait; it can be useful to establish an evidence-based starting point so you can begin the repair process. Your Nutritional Therapist will take this into account when interpreting your results and advising on next steps.