If you are struggling with bloating, IBS like symptoms, unexplained gut symptoms or you are interested in understanding your gut microbiome, a gut microbiome test may provide additional information that is not available from routine blood tests, stool inflammation tests or endoscopy. This page explains when the test may be useful and how the service is structured.
I am Dr Pranab, Consultant Gastroenterologist with over twenty five years of experience in London and Dubai. I use shotgun metagenomic sequencing in selected patients to help understand the gut microbiome in a way that is clinically relevant when interpreted in the correct context.
If you want to learn more about what the gut microbiome is and how it affects health in general, please see our detailed information page on the microbiome here: Gut Microbiome Information.
Gut Microbiome Testing in Dubai
When a Gut Microbiome Test May Be Useful
The gut microbiome is linked with digestion, immunity, inflammation, metabolism and how some people respond to diet. These links are complex, and test results need to be interpreted in the clinical context.
The test may be considered in selected people with:
- Persistent bloating or gas despite normal scopes or blood tests
- Recurrent IBS like symptoms
- Unexplained symptoms where gut health is being considered as part of a wider medical review
- Suspected food sensitivities
- Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or autoimmune illness
- An interest in understanding gut microbiome patterns as part of a broader health discussion
How This Gut Microbiome Service Is Structured
The value of the test depends on careful interpretation and whether the findings are relevant to your symptoms, diet, medical history and overall clinical picture.
What Is Included in the Service
This service includes:
- Department of Health licensed testing carried out within the UAE
- Shotgun metagenomic sequencing for detailed microbial and functional information
- A one to one consultation with an experienced Consultant Gastroenterologist
- Dietary discussion with a microbiome trained dietitian
This is a medically guided service designed to help patients understand their microbiome report in context, with practical dietary discussion where appropriate.
How the Process Works
- Home test kit delivered to you by FedEx
- Sample collected from your home by FedEx
- Analysis performed in a licensed laboratory within the UAE
- Report describing gut bacteria, diversity, microbial function and selected microbial signals
- Review with Dr Pranab and a dietitian to discuss the findings and appropriate next steps
Results are usually ready in around four weeks, due to the depth of sequencing and clinical review.
What About SIBO
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, is different from large bowel microbiome imbalance. SIBO breath tests assess the small intestine and are often useful when there is early upper abdominal bloating, gas or reflux. Microbiome testing looks mainly at the colon and gives a broader view of the gut ecosystem.
In many patients, SIBO testing and microbiome testing are complementary. You can read more about hydrogen and methane breath testing here: Hydrogen and Methane Breath test for SIBO
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this test useful even if I have had a colonoscopy
A colonoscopy examines the bowel lining and looks for visible inflammation, polyps or other structural disease. A microbiome test looks at microbial patterns in the stool. The two tests provide different types of information and one does not replace the other.
Is this suitable for children or teenagers
Yes, with some adjustments to interpretation. The
test is licensed by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi for children aged three years and above. Please contact us
first for younger patients or complex cases.
Will I receive a personalised diet plan
You may receive dietary advice tailored to your microbiome profile, symptoms, medical history and overall clinical context, in discussion with a microbiome trained dietitian.
Can I do this test even if I am generally well
Some people choose this test to better understand their gut microbiome as part of a broader health discussion. It should not be viewed as a diagnostic test for all conditions or as a guarantee of disease prevention.
How is the test done and delivered
You collect a small stool sample at home using the kit
provided. FedEx will pick up the sample from your home and deliver it to the UAE laboratory.
How long does it take to get results
Results are usually ready within about four weeks.
How are test fees confirmed
Fees depend on the testing pathway and the review process included. The team can provide current fee information when you enquire or request an appointment.
Further Gut Health Resources
- Next Generation Probiotics in IBD: SER-603 and Microbiome Therapy
- Microbiome in Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis
- Hydrogen and Methane Breath test for SIBO
- IBS Treatment in Dubai
- Bloating and Gas Assessment in Dubai
- Yogurt and Gut Health
Important limitation
A gut microbiome test does not diagnose all digestive conditions and does not replace medical consultation, blood tests, stool inflammation markers, endoscopy, imaging or other investigations when these are clinically needed.
Book Your Gut Microbiome Test in Dubai
If you are ready to move forward or would like to discuss whether this test is appropriate for you, please use the booking or enquiry form on this page.