An at-home stool test analysing the gut microbiome, aimed at people with ongoing digestive symptoms such as bloating who want a broader look at gut bacteria than a standard stool test.
This test analyses a stool sample to look at the bacteria living in your gut, sometimes described as the gut microbiome. This kind of testing is commonly used by people with ongoing digestive symptoms such as bloating or food sensitivities who want more insight into gut bacteria than a standard stool test provides, though results should be discussed with a GP if symptoms persist.
At £395, this is the most expensive test in its seven-test comparison group, about 73% above the £228.50 median. Selph's Gut Bacteria, Worm and Parasite Test costs £129 for 7 markers, and even Blue Horizon's Vaginal Microbiome test, the next most expensive peer, is cheaper at £367.25. Forth does not publish a marker count for this test, unlike several peers such as Randox's Gut Microbiome Test (10 markers, £208) and Selph's Advanced Gut Bacteria test (24 markers, £249), which makes direct comparison difficult.
value for money scores lowest of all six criteria given the well above-median cost. Clinical depth also scores low because the provider does not state how many biomarkers are measured. clarity and documentation scores below average for the same reason, plus the missing turnaround time and report description. Trust signals and results and follow-up both score well because a doctor reviews the results, and collection convenience scores reasonably since the sample is collected at home.
This may suit people who want to explore their gut microbiome in more depth and are less concerned about price. Because Forth does not publish a marker count or turnaround time, anyone comparing options closely may prefer a peer that states these upfront, such as Randox's Gut Microbiome Test (10 markers, £208) or Selph's Advanced Gut Bacteria, Worm and Parasite Test (24 markers, £249), both considerably cheaper.
You collect a stool sample at home and post it to the lab. Forth does not state a turnaround time for this test. Results are reviewed by a doctor before you see your report.
This gut microbiome test costs £395, the most expensive of the seven tests in its comparison group and about 73% above the £228.50 median. Forth does not state how many markers are measured, what the turnaround time is, or what the report looks like, which limits how well it can be judged against alternatives.
The listing publishes a short description, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state the biomarkers measured, a turnaround time, what the report looks like.
The provider does not state how many biomarkers are measured, so depth cannot be assessed.
A stool sample you take at home, no needle.
Results are reviewed by a doctor; the provider does not describe the report format.
Trustpilot 4.2 from 1,727 reviews; accredited lab (UKAS ISO 15189 partner labs); doctor review as standard; trading 10+ years.
£395.00 against a comparison-group median of £228.50 (+73%).
Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.
This test belongs to our Gut microbiome test comparison group. See how it stacks up against equivalent tests from other providers.
Cheaper, narrower screen than Selph's Advanced version
A 7-marker stool test screening for common gut bacteria and parasites by PCR and microscopy, for people with gut symptoms who want a lower-cost first check before considering a wider panel.
Broad pathogen panel priced near the market median
A 24-marker stool test covering a wide panel of bacterial, viral and parasitic gut pathogens by PCR, plus microscopy for ova, cysts and parasites, for people investigating persistent gut symptoms.
Deep 33-marker oral microbiome test, priced above peers
This saliva test analyses the bacteria living in your mouth, covering 33 markers of oral microbiome balance. It suits people interested in oral and general health via their microbiome rather than blood-based screening.
Mid-priced gut microbiome test, fewer markers than peers
An at-home stool test analysing 10 markers of gut bacteria composition, including fibre-digesting and probiotic bacteria, for people wanting a general picture of their gut microbiome balance.
At-home vaginal microbiome test with a 25-day turnaround
An at-home swab test that profiles vaginal bacteria and yeast species, including several Lactobacillus and Candida species, plus pH. Suited to women wanting a detailed look at their vaginal microbiome rather than a quick screen for a single infection.
Mid-priced gut microbiome test, 18% below the group median
Analyses a stool sample using qPCR and 16S rRNA sequencing to profile the balance of bacterial and archaeal species in your gut, with a report broken into sections such as diversity and short-chain fatty acid scores.
DNA gut test that doesn't publish a biomarker count
An at-home stool test using DNA sequencing to analyse the gut microbiome. Suited to people with ongoing digestive symptoms such as bloating or changed bowel habits, or general curiosity about gut health.
Cheaper, narrower screen than Selph's Advanced version
A 7-marker stool test screening for common gut bacteria and parasites by PCR and microscopy, for people with gut symptoms who want a lower-cost first check before considering a wider panel.
Broad pathogen panel priced near the market median
A 24-marker stool test covering a wide panel of bacterial, viral and parasitic gut pathogens by PCR, plus microscopy for ova, cysts and parasites, for people investigating persistent gut symptoms.
Deep 33-marker oral microbiome test, priced above peers
This saliva test analyses the bacteria living in your mouth, covering 33 markers of oral microbiome balance. It suits people interested in oral and general health via their microbiome rather than blood-based screening.
Mid-priced gut microbiome test, fewer markers than peers
An at-home stool test analysing 10 markers of gut bacteria composition, including fibre-digesting and probiotic bacteria, for people wanting a general picture of their gut microbiome balance.
