By Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist
Published and medically reviewed:
Gut microbiome testing in Dubai with specialist interpretation
A gut microbiome test can provide detailed information about the microorganisms and microbial functions identified in a stool sample. The result is most useful when it is interpreted alongside your symptoms, diet, medicines, medical history and other investigations.
This Dubai service uses shotgun metagenomic sequencing through a Department of Health licensed UAE laboratory. It includes home delivery and collection throughout the UAE, followed by a face to face consultation with Dr Pranab Gyawali and a consultation with a microbiome trained dietitian.
Dr Pranab is a Consultant Gastroenterologist with more than 25 years of experience in London and Dubai. The consultation takes place in a JCI accredited facility in Dubai.
Quick answers
What is the total cost?
AED 2,075
This is the complete self pay package.
How long do results take?
Results are normally available approximately two to three weeks after a suitable sample reaches the laboratory.
Do I collect the sample at home?
Yes. The kit is delivered to your home anywhere in the UAE. You collect a small stool sample using the instructions provided, and FedEx collects it from your home for delivery to the UAE laboratory.
What happens when the result is ready?
The Admin Team arranges your face to face review with Dr Pranab and the microbiome trained dietitian. The report is considered together with your symptoms, medicines, diet, medical history and relevant previous investigations.
What is included?
- delivery of the microbiome collection kit to your home anywhere in the UAE;
- collection of the completed sample from your home by FedEx;
- shotgun metagenomic sequencing in a Department of Health licensed UAE laboratory;
- a detailed report of microbial and functional signals;
- a face to face consultation with Dr Pranab to interpret the result in the context of your symptoms and medical background;
- a consultation with a microbiome trained dietitian;
- planned dietary recommendations that take account of your medical history, symptoms and test findings.
Is the test covered by insurance?
Microbiome testing is normally self pay and is rarely covered in full. If you have gastrointestinal symptoms and medical insurance, your specialist consultation may sometimes be covered, depending on your policy and approval requirements. In that situation, you may only need to pay separately for the testing kit and any components not covered by insurance. The Admin Team can help you check the available pathway.
WhatsApp the Admin Team
Gut microbiome testing in Dubai explained
Is a gut microbiome test right for me?
People often enquire about microbiome testing because they have persistent bloating, gas, irregular bowel habits or IBS type symptoms. Others are interested in how their diet and lifestyle may be influencing their gut microbiome.
Testing may provide additional information in selected patients, particularly when the clinical question is clear and the result is interpreted with the person's wider medical background.
However, not every digestive symptom requires a microbiome test. Symptoms such as bleeding, unexplained weight loss, persistent diarrhoea, severe pain or iron deficiency may require conventional medical investigations first. Microbiome testing should not delay blood tests, stool inflammation testing, imaging or endoscopy when these are clinically indicated.
How the microbiome service works
Request the assessment
Use the enquiry form or WhatsApp the Admin Team. Relevant medical information is collected so the test can be placed in the correct clinical context.
Receive the kit
The collection kit is delivered to your home anywhere in the UAE.
Collect the sample
You collect a small stool sample at home using the laboratory instructions.
FedEx collects it
FedEx collects the packaged sample from your home and delivers it to the licensed UAE laboratory.
Sequencing is completed
The sample undergoes detailed metagenomic sequencing. Results are normally ready two to three weeks after a suitable sample reaches the laboratory.
Review your result
Dr Pranab and the dietitian review the findings in your medical and dietary context and discuss appropriate recommendations.
What does shotgun metagenomic sequencing show?
Shotgun metagenomic sequencing analyses microbial genetic material within the stool sample. It can provide detailed information about microbial composition, diversity and selected functional signals.
It generally provides more detailed taxonomic and functional information than 16S testing, which mainly examines selected bacterial genetic regions. More detail does not mean that every reported difference represents disease or requires treatment. Interpretation remains essential because there is no single microbiome pattern that is normal for every person.
What does this test not measure?
This service is a metagenomic sequencing test. It does not include separate stool inflammation or intestinal permeability markers.
It does not replace:
- faecal calprotectin or other stool inflammation tests;
- testing for a specific infection when clinically indicated;
- blood tests;
- imaging;
- gastroscopy or colonoscopy;
- assessment of persistent or concerning symptoms by a doctor.
The test should not be used on its own to diagnose IBS, food intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity or a neurological condition.
How should I prepare for a microbiome test?
The aim is usually to test your microbiome while you are following your normal routine. Do not make a major change to your usual diet during the four weeks before collecting the sample unless Dr Pranab has advised you to do so.
Please tell the Admin Team if:
- you have taken antibiotics during the preceding four weeks;
- you have had bowel preparation for a colonoscopy during the preceding four weeks;
- you are taking probiotics or have recently stopped them;
- you use laxatives or other regular medicines that affect your bowel habit.
Antibiotics and recent bowel preparation can substantially alter the microbiome, so the sample may need to be postponed. Probiotics should ideally be avoided before testing when clinically appropriate. Ordinary laxatives do not automatically prevent testing, but they should be recorded because bowel transit can influence the result.
Do not stop prescribed medicine or chronic treatment, or make a major dietary change, without medical advice. The team will confirm the appropriate timing and laboratory collection instructions for you.
Is a microbiome test the same as a SIBO test or GI MAP?
Microbiome testing
This examines microbial DNA and functional signals mainly from the large bowel through a stool sample.
SIBO breath testing
Hydrogen and methane breath testing assesses gas production related to the small intestine. It may be more relevant when symptoms suggest small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Read about the hydrogen and methane breath test in Dubai.
Conventional stool testing
These tests may look for a specific infection, inflammation marker or digestive problem. They answer a different clinical question and may be more appropriate when infection or intestinal inflammation is suspected.
GI MAP
The term GI MAP is often used for commercial stool panels, but different providers include different organisms, digestive markers and methods. It is important to check the exact technology and report rather than relying on the product name alone.
Frequently asked questions
Are gut microbiome tests legitimate?
Modern sequencing can reliably identify a large amount of microbial genetic information. The more difficult question is what every difference means for an individual patient's health. This is why laboratory quality, clinical context and cautious interpretation matter. Current guidance recognises the potential value of testing while also making clear that evidence for routine use remains limited.
Is the test useful if I have already had a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy examines the bowel lining and can identify inflammation, polyps and other structural disease. A microbiome test examines microbial and functional signals in a stool sample. The tests answer different questions, and one does not replace the other.
Will I receive dietary recommendations?
Yes. A consultation with a microbiome trained dietitian is included. Recommendations are planned after considering the test result together with your symptoms, diet, medical history and relevant medical conditions.
Can children have the test?
The existing laboratory pathway accepts children from three years of age. Interpretation and suitability should be considered individually, particularly for younger children or those with complex medical conditions.
Can I take the test if I feel well?
Some people request testing because they are interested in their gut microbiome. The limitations still need to be understood. The result should not be treated as a general disease screen or a guarantee of future health.
Related gut health information
Request a gut microbiome test assessment in Dubai
The complete self pay package is AED 2,075 and includes UAE home delivery and collection, shotgun metagenomic sequencing, specialist interpretation with Dr Pranab and consultation with a microbiome trained dietitian.
Request an assessment using the form below or contact the Admin Team on WhatsApp.