Gut microbiome testing.
Know where to start.

Yes. It is a complimentary introductory phone call with no obligation to proceed. It helps us understand what you have already investigated and explain your options before you spend money on testing. It does not replace a clinical assessment.

You speak directly with Josh Williams, The Gut Guy—not a receptionist. He holds a Master of Science (Biomedical Science), a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology), with advanced gut restoration nutritional advisor training. His role on this call is educational guidance about pathways, services and costs, not diagnosis, clinical interpretation or prescribing treatment.

The cost depends on the selected test and the consultations or treatment services you choose. After your complimentary call, we explain the relevant price, what is included and any separate costs. If clinical assessment is needed to finalise the pathway, its cost is explained first.

You may not need to repeat testing. Tell Josh which tests you have completed and when. We can discuss whether professional review is available and what a review consultation involves. Use our secure clinical process to share reports, rather than the public booking notes.

SIBO breath testing is different from stool microbiome testing. It may be considered alongside, before or instead of a Microba test, depending on your situation. Discuss this with Josh; an appropriate practitioner determines whether further assessment or testing is indicated.

We choose Microba for shotgun metagenomic sequencing, species-level profiling, microbial functional insights and practitioner reporting. Depending on the option, gut physiology and pathogen panels add further information. We value the detail, but whether you need a test and how the findings are interpreted matter just as much.

No. Technologies, the organisms examined, functional reporting and additional stool markers vary. Some tests answer a narrow question; others profile a broader microbial community. A broader report is not automatically more useful for your situation.

We discuss four options: Microbiome Explorer Essentials, Extended and Comprehensive, plus GI Navigator. Your symptoms, history and previous investigations help frame the choice. A qualified practitioner confirms clinical suitability; the free call helps you understand the possible pathways first.

Microba performs the laboratory analysis and produces the report. Within your agreed care pathway, an appropriately qualified practitioner reviews relevant findings alongside your symptoms, health history, diet, medications, supplements, previous investigations and treatment. Laboratory analysis and a clinical consultation are separate parts of the process.

Depending on your agreed pathway, a naturopath such as Linda Spirou or Emma Hickey may provide naturopathic care, or Sarah Wade may provide clinical nutrition care. Each holds a relevant Bachelor of Health Science. Your treating practitioner and consultation inclusions are confirmed before you proceed.

A result does not automatically explain a symptom or identify a treatment. Your practitioner considers what is relevant to your overall health, previous investigations and goals, including whether medical review is needed. Personalised recommendations should follow that assessment, rather than individual markers in isolation.

Linda is a degree-qualified naturopath, Certified Healthy Gut Practitioner and Certified Microbiome Analyst, with further gastrointestinal training. Emma holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy and a Diploma of Holistic Nutrition, with experience interpreting microbiome and SIBO tests. Sarah Wade holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical Nutrition and is an AARPN registered Certified Practising Nutritionist. Their profile cards show who holds each credential.

Your GP may consider conventional pathology or other investigations based on your symptoms and history. We can discuss questions to raise with them. We cannot promise a particular test will be ordered, free or Medicare-covered.

Josh can discuss other avenues, including medical review or other clinics and practitioners. If our service is not the right fit, you can ask about our trusted independent clinic list. We are not affiliated with those clinics, and referrals do not guarantee outcomes.

Yes, payment plans are available. Once your testing or care pathway is understood, we explain the instalment amounts, payment schedule, total cost and terms before you agree, including any difference from paying upfront. You can ask about these options on your free clarity call.

Our consultations are delivered by telehealth across Australia. Microba sample collection is at home, but test availability and sample-return requirements depend on your location. Check your postcode and postal options with us before ordering.

Follow the instructions for your selected Microba kit, collect the stool sample at home and return it by post. No clinic visit is needed. Turnaround varies by test and laboratory processing; we confirm current timing before ordering. Allow extra time for delivery, return postage and consultation scheduling.

No. Microbiome profiling does not diagnose IBS, identify every food intolerance or prove the cause of your symptoms. Selected additional panels provide specific laboratory findings, which still need appropriate clinical interpretation. Do not delay medical assessment while waiting for testing.

Follow the selected kit instructions and ask your practitioner about preparation. Do not stop prescribed medication without advice from your prescriber. The free call is not a medication review.