Understanding Function’s
advanced stool test
Unlock deeper gut health insights to optimize digestion, immunity, and well-being.
What to expect
What to expect
Your at-home collection kit arrives with everything you need for easy, mess-free sampling.
Follow the simple instructions, then send your sample back using the prepaid shipping label.
Receive a detailed gut health report and help us refine the experience by sharing your insights as a beta tester.
General questions
General questions
The Advanced Clinical Gut Assessment is an at-home test powered by Genova Diagnostics, a trusted brand in specialty labs, including comprehensive gut health testing. It evaluates metabolic markers, gut inflammation, and dysbiosis, which can affect digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.
The Advanced Clinical Gut Assessment goes beyond standard microbiome tests by assessing not just microbial diversity, but the overall gut ecosystem. It measures digestive enzyme function, inflammation, immune activity, and short-chain fatty acids that help maintain gut barrier function. It also includes testing for key microbes like Akkermansia, stool cultures for healthy and harmful bacteria and fungi, and screening for parasites and hidden blood.
Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, metabolism, and even mental health. An imbalance in microbiome composition (dysbiosis) has been linked to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, diabetes, anxiety, and depression.
You’ll receive a collection kit by mail to collect a sample in the privacy of your own home. Follow the included instructions and use the prepaid shipping materials provided.
Early access information
Early access information
As a beta tester, you’ll be among the first to try Function Health’s new at-home gut test. Your feedback will help improve this addition before it’s made available to all members, and may also mean that you encounter minor changes in the experience as we make refinements.
- Gain early access to a powerful gut health test.
- Get a detailed look at your digestive function, inflammation, and microbiome.
- Help shape the future of Function Health’s gut health testing experience.
- Individuals experiencing digestive issues like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or reflux
- Individuals with skin concerns, autoimmune conditions, or unexplained inflammation
- Individuals looking to optimize their gut health and overall well-being
- Individuals who are experiencing depression, anxiety, brain fog, and other neurological conditions such as autism, ADHD, or Alzheimer’s disease
- Individuals seeking a specific medical diagnosis (as this test provides insights, not diagnoses)
- Individuals who have had a colectomy or colostomy
- Individuals who are on antibiotics (as it’s best to wait two weeks after the medication cycle is complete)
The Advanced Clinical Gut Assessment is available for $449.
Fill out this brief form to enroll in the pilot, and you’ll receive an email with all the information you need to purchase your test kit.
Test preparation & collection
Test preparation & collection
- Medications: If you’ve recently taken antibiotics, antiparasitics, or antifungals, it’s recommended that you wait a minimum of 14 days after your last dose before beginning this test.
- Probiotics: If tolerated, it’s recommended that you pause probiotic supplements or food products containing added probiotics (e.g., Activia) for 14 days prior to testing. If pausing these causes gastrointestinal (GI) upset, or you use them as part of your regular health routine, then it’s fine to continue probiotics as usual.
- Supplements: In the 48 hours leading up to the test, don’t take digestive enzymes, antacids, aspirin (only with your provider’s approval to stop taking aspirin), or NSAIDS like Advil or Aleve.
Avoid collecting samples if you are actively menstruating, to avoid contamination.
- Collection bowl and frame
- 4 large sample tubes with a built-in scoop and 1 small swab tube
- Sample collection instructions, an activation label card, and a pre-paid FedEx return label
After you purchase your test, we’ll send you a brief questionnaire about your gut health. The information you provide will help inform the clinician who reviews your results.
Results & next steps
Results & next steps
Once your sample is received, it takes 3-4 weeks to process and generate results. Note that you’ll need to have completed your gut health questionnaire (which you’ll receive after purchasing your kit) in order to receive results. We encourage you to fill this out as soon as you get it to avoid any delays.
You’ll receive a PDF with the results of each biomarker included in this test. This report will offer a snapshot of your overall gut health, including your current gut composition, as well as markers of inflammation and enzyme activity.
Yes. A licensed clinician will review your results, along with your responses to your gut health history questionnaire. But to get the most out of this test, we also recommend reviewing your results with a trusted healthcare provider.