Molecular Genetic Microbiome Analysis (Biovis)

DNA-based stool analysis revealing gut microbiome composition and potential imbalances

Molecular Genetic Microbiome Analysis (Biovis)

Table of contents

Basic data

This test provides a detailed genetic profile of the gut microbiota using molecular biology methods. It identifies the presence and relative abundance of key bacterial strains, including beneficial, neutral, and potentially harmful microbes. The results may highlight dysbiosis, overgrowth of specific species (such as Candida or Clostridium), or underrepresentation of keystone taxa like Akkermansia or Faecalibacterium.

Insights from this test can support targeted dietary, probiotic, and lifestyle interventions aimed at improving gut health, immune function, and systemic inflammation.

Category: Gut health

Level: Advanced

Usefulness: Medium

Level

Advanced

This is an advanced diagnostic, best used when basic lifestyle foundations are already in place. It’s especially valuable for individuals with chronic digestive issues, autoimmune conditions, or suspected gut-brain axis involvement. Interpretation typically requires expert guidance.

Usefulness

Medium

While still evolving, DNA-based microbiome testing offers actionable insights in select contexts — especially when traditional approaches fail to resolve symptoms or inflammation.
Detects microbial imbalances

Identifies overgrowths or underrepresented keystone strains that may impact digestion, immune function, or inflammation.

Supports targeted interventions

Results can guide use of specific probiotics, prebiotics, or antimicrobials — improving personalization of gut-related protocols.

How it works

The test uses stool sampling combined with DNA sequencing to identify and quantify bacterial populations in the gut microbiome.
Sample collection

A stool sample is collected at home using a provided kit, then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

DNA sequencing and analysis

Bacterial DNA is extracted, sequenced, and compared to known databases to map the microbiota composition.

Measures

The report includes both presence and abundance of specific gut microbiota taxa as well as broader balance indicators.
Diversity Index

Measures richness and evenness of microbial species — a key marker of gut ecosystem resilience.

Pathogenic overgrowths

Identifies elevated levels of opportunistic bacteria or yeasts (e.g. Clostridium, Candida).

Beneficial strains

Tracks presence of health-promoting species like Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium.

Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio

Broad phylum-level balance, which may reflect metabolic tendencies or inflammation risk.

Reliability

Genetic microbiome testing provides high-resolution data but is influenced by transient factors such as diet, antibiotics, or recent illness.
Good taxonomic accuracy

Molecular methods reliably detect presence of known bacterial species, especially in sufficient quantities.

Sensitive to recent changes

Short-term dietary shifts, illness, or probiotics may temporarily affect results — limiting repeatability.

Limitations

While useful in identifying patterns, the clinical implications of microbiome composition are still being researched.
Interpretation complexity

Requires expert input to connect taxonomic findings with symptoms and design targeted protocols.

Evolving science

Associations between species and health outcomes are not yet fully understood or validated.

Frequency

Suggested cadence

Once every 6–12 months if monitoring gut-focused protocols or chronic symptoms. Not required for all users.

Cost

Typical costs

$250–$500 USD depending on provider, region, and depth of report. May not be covered by insurance.

Availability

Where available

Offered by functional medicine clinics and specialized labs (e.g. Biovis, Genova, Viome) with global shipping kits.

Preparation

How to prepare

Avoid probiotics, antibiotics, or major diet changes 2–3 days before collection unless instructed otherwise. Follow kit-specific sampling instructions.

Interpretation

Focus is placed on identifying imbalances, overgrowths, or depletion of key bacterial groups in relation to symptoms and goals.
Dysbiosis patterns

Look for overrepresentation of potentially harmful bacteria and underrepresentation of beneficial strains.

Diversity & resilience

Low diversity or imbalance in key phyla may signal reduced adaptability and need for dietary or probiotic support.

Alternatives

Stool culture & microscopy

Older method involving manual analysis of stool under microscope. Less precise and narrower in scope than molecular sequencing.

Inflammatory marker tests

Markers like calprotectin or zonulin can provide functional insight into gut permeability or inflammation but don’t identify bacteria.

FAQ

Can this test diagnose specific diseases?

No — it identifies bacterial composition and potential imbalances, but does not confirm or rule out medical conditions.

Is this useful if I have no symptoms?

It can still offer insights into subclinical dysbiosis or preventive health, but is most valuable when investigating gut-related concerns.