Your Unique Microbiome Signature
Your microbiome is the collection of microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses) that live on and in your body. It is unique to you and can be influenced by various factors, including your diet, environment, and genetics. Determining your own unique Microbiome Signature can be performed by undergoing microbiome testing. This can be done […]
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Karen Pendergrass
Your microbiome is the collection of microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses) that live on and in your body. It is unique to you and can be influenced by various factors, including your diet, environment, and genetics. Determining your own unique Microbiome Signature can be performed by undergoing microbiome testing. This can be done through various methods, including stool testing, saliva testing, and skin swabbing. These tests involve collecting a sample from your body and then analyzing the microorganisms present in the sample to determine the types and quantities of different microorganisms.
Several commercial companies offer microbiome testing services, which can be done in the comfort of your home. These tests typically involve collecting a sample (such as a stool sample) and sending it to a lab for analysis. The test results will provide information about the types and quantities of microorganisms in your sample, which can help identify your unique microbiome signature.
It is important to note that the microbiome is constantly changing and can be influenced by various factors, so your microbiome signature can change over time.
Microbiome Testing: What It Offers
Microbiome testing provides information about the types and relative quantities of microorganisms present in a sample collected from the body. These microorganisms may include bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Test results can help characterize an individual’s microbiome profile and may offer insights into the overall balance and diversity of their microbial ecosystem.
Microbiome testing is commonly used for identifying patterns that may be associated with health or disease, supporting personalized lifestyle recommendations, and monitoring changes over time in response to targeted interventions.
Potential Applications of Microbiome Testing
Identification of microbiome imbalance (dysbiosis)
Disruptions in the microbiome—often referred to as dysbiosis—have been associated with multiple health conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders and immune-related diseases. Microbiome testing may help detect microbial patterns suggestive of imbalance and can support clinical monitoring when used alongside professional evaluation.
Personalized dietary guidance
Some testing services analyze microorganisms in stool samples to generate individualized dietary recommendations. These recommendations are typically based on the presence, abundance, or diversity of specific microbial taxa and are intended to support microbiome health through nutrition.
Monitoring response to interventions
Microbiome testing may also be used to track changes following interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, dietary modifications, or other microbiome-targeted strategies. Repeated testing over time can help evaluate whether an intervention is associated with measurable microbial shifts.
Examples of Companies Offering Microbiome Testing
Several organizations provide microbiome testing services, including:
| Provider | Sample Type(s) | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| American Gut (UC San Diego) | Stool | Broad microbiome profiling, research-oriented analysis |
| Viome | Stool, saliva | Microbiome analysis with wellness recommendations |
| Ombre (formerly Thryve) | Stool, saliva | Consumer microbiome testing and lifestyle insights |
| DayTwo | Stool | Microbiome-based dietary recommendations |
Important Considerations
The accuracy, clinical interpretability, and scientific validation of microbiome testing services can vary significantly across providers. Results should be interpreted cautiously and ideally in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Microbiome testing may be most useful when combined with structured self-experimentation, evidence-based research, and clinical context rather than used as a standalone diagnostic tool.
Microbiome Signatures
Microbiome signatures are reproducible ecological and functional patterns—encompassing traits, interactions, and metabolic functions—that reflect microbial adaptation to specific host or environmental states. Beyond taxonomy, they capture conserved features like metal metabolism or immune modulation, enabling systems-level diagnosis and intervention in health and disease.
Microbiome Signatures
Microbiome signatures are reproducible ecological and functional patterns—encompassing traits, interactions, and metabolic functions—that reflect microbial adaptation to specific host or environmental states. Beyond taxonomy, they capture conserved features like metal metabolism or immune modulation, enabling systems-level diagnosis and intervention in health and disease.