Our tests
Prices in AUD
Gut Microbiome Test
Stool sample at home · results in 7–10 business days
$370
SIBO Breath Test
Breath samples at home · results in 5–7 business days
$300
Oral Microbiome Test
Saliva sample at home · results in 5–7 business days
$300
Vaginal Microbiome Test
Swab at home · results in 5–7 business days
$300
Flagship · Biggest panel
Gut Microbiome Max
Extended stool panel at home · results in 11–14 business days
Shotgun metagenomic sequencing, here in Melbourne
$750
View Max+
The 2-minute quiz
Not sure where to start? Start here.
Not quite sure what to do? Book a discovery call
15 min · no charge · no obligation
An Australian medical clinic · 100% telehealth
15 min · no charge · no obligation
Orange: symptoms people notice. Blue: microbes a test report looks at.
We're an Australian telehealth medical clinic with a focus on gut health and the gut microbiome, the bacteria that live in your gut. Research is exploring how it's associated with digestion, mood, skin and more.
Areas we focus on
01 · Choose a test
Gut · SIBO · Oral · Vaginal. Collected at home, from $300.
02 · See a doctor · by video
Optional, after your results. Telehealth Australia-wide.
Start with a conversation
The 2-minute quiz Works on your phone. No account needed.
And if you need help, book a call or take the quiz.
Not quite sure what to do? Book a discovery call
15 min · no charge · no obligation
Choose a test yourself, through the quiz or with our patient-care team. The kit is posted to you; collect the sample at home and return it in the satchel provided.
Optional, after your results: meet one of our doctors by video. They go through your results with your symptoms and history.
Conditions · 07 areas
Select an area to see the symptoms people bring to us, what the research is exploring, and which of our tests relates to it. Whether we can help depends on your circumstances.
Tap an area for the symptoms people bring to us and which of our tests relates to it.
Your gut holds most of the microbes that live in and on your body.1
Learn more about Gut and digestive
Researchers call the two-way connection between the gut and the brain the gut–brain axis.2
Learn more about Gut–brain axis
Research is exploring a gut–skin axis: how the gut microbiome is associated with the skin.3
Learn more about Skin
Your mouth has its own microbiome, one of the body's most varied microbial communities.4
Learn more about Oral and gums
A vaginal microbiome is usually dominated by Lactobacillus species; research is exploring what shifts in that balance mean.5
Learn more about Women's health
A large share of your body's immune tissue sits in the gut wall.6
Complete reports secretory IgA, an antibody made in the gut lining.
Learn more about Immune and joints
Blood from your gut travels straight to your liver through the portal vein, which is why researchers talk about a gut–liver axis.7
Learn more about Liver and energyNot listed
The seven areas above are where we see people most. If your symptoms aren't listed, our patient-care team can tell you whether a consultation makes sense.
15 min · no charge · no obligation
Sources · 1 Sender R et al. 2016, PLoS Biology. 2 Cryan JF et al. 2019, Physiol Rev. 3 Salem I et al. 2018, Frontiers in Microbiology. 4 Human Microbiome Project Consortium 2012, Nature. 5 Ravel J et al. 2011, PNAS. 6 Vighi G et al. 2008, Clinical & Experimental Immunology. 7 Tripathi A et al. 2018, Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol.
01 / 07
Gut · stool test may be discussed
We start with testing. Often discussed here:Often discussed here:
Gut Microbiome Test
SIBO Breath Test
Choose your tests The symptoms and conditions people most often bring to us in this area.
Symptoms people describe
Conditions people mention
In the population
Published human studies our doctors draw on. Research is ongoing; none of this is a promise about you.
Figures are from published research and describe populations, not our results. Listing an area here does not mean a test or treatment is right for you. If you'd like advice, our patient-care team or one of our doctors can talk it through with you.
02 / 07
Gut–brain · gut test may be discussed
We start with testing. Often discussed here:Often discussed here:
Gut Microbiome Test
Choose your tests The symptoms and conditions people most often bring to us in this area.
Symptoms people describe
What people tell us
We do not offer microbiome testing or treatment for mental illness. If you are already under the care of a psychologist or psychiatrist, we work alongside them.
In the population
Published human studies our doctors draw on. Research is ongoing; none of this is a promise about you.
Figures are from published research and describe populations, not our results. Listing an area here does not mean a test or treatment is right for you. If you'd like advice, our patient-care team or one of our doctors can talk it through with you.
03 / 07
Skin · gut test often discussed
We start with testing. Often discussed here:Often discussed here:
Gut Microbiome Test
SIBO Breath Test
Choose your tests The symptoms and conditions people most often bring to us in this area.
Symptoms people describe
Conditions people mention
In the population
Published human studies our doctors draw on. Research is ongoing; none of this is a promise about you.
Figures are from published research and describe populations, not our results. Listing an area here does not mean a test or treatment is right for you. If you'd like advice, our patient-care team or one of our doctors can talk it through with you.
04 / 07
Oral · saliva test may be discussed
We start with testing. Often discussed here:Often discussed here:
Oral Microbiome Test
Gut Microbiome Test
Choose your tests The symptoms and conditions people most often bring to us in this area.
Symptoms people describe
Conditions people mention
In the population
Published human studies our doctors draw on. Research is ongoing; none of this is a promise about you.
Figures are from published research and describe populations, not our results. Listing an area here does not mean a test or treatment is right for you. If you'd like advice, our patient-care team or one of our doctors can talk it through with you.
05 / 07
Women's · swab test may be discussed
We start with testing. Often discussed here:Often discussed here:
Vaginal Microbiome Test
Gut Microbiome Test
Choose your tests The symptoms and conditions people most often bring to us in this area.
Symptoms people describe
Conditions people mention
In the population
Published human studies our doctors draw on. Research is ongoing; none of this is a promise about you.
Figures are from published research and describe populations, not our results. Listing an area here does not mean a test or treatment is right for you. If you'd like advice, our patient-care team or one of our doctors can talk it through with you.
06 / 07
Immune · consultation first
We start with a consultation for this area.
The symptoms and conditions people most often bring to us in this area.
Symptoms people describe
What people tell us
We work on the microbiome, not on liver or autoimmune conditions — those are managed by your GP or specialist. Some people test to understand and improve their gut health generally.
In the population
Published human studies our doctors draw on. Research is ongoing; none of this is a promise about you.
Figures are from published research and describe populations, not our results. Listing an area here does not mean a test or treatment is right for you. If you'd like advice, our patient-care team or one of our doctors can talk it through with you.
07 / 07
Liver · consultation first
We start with a consultation for this area.
The symptoms and conditions people most often bring to us in this area.
Symptoms people describe
What people tell us
Liver conditions are diagnosed and managed by your GP or hepatologist. Our doctors look at the digestive side.
We work on the microbiome, not on liver or autoimmune conditions — those are managed by your GP or specialist. Some people test to understand and improve their gut health generally.
In the population
Published human studies our doctors draw on. Research is ongoing; none of this is a promise about you.
Figures are from published research and describe populations, not our results. Listing an area here does not mean a test or treatment is right for you. If you'd like advice, our patient-care team or one of our doctors can talk it through with you.
THE MICROBIOME · 07 AREAS
Your body has several microbiomes. Some talk to the gut; researchers call those links axes.
Your gut holds most of the microbes that live in and on your body.[1]
WHAT PEOPLE OFTEN MENTION
Sources [1] Sender R et al. 2016, PLoS Biology · [8] Levy M et al. 2017, Nat Rev Immunol · [9] Camilleri M 2019, Gut · [10] Lozupone CA et al. 2012, Nature
Researchers call the two-way connection between the gut and the brain the gut–brain axis.[2]
Signals travel both ways along three pathways:[2]
WHAT PEOPLE OFTEN MENTION
Sources [2] Cryan JF et al. 2019, Physiol Rev · [8] Levy M et al. 2017, Nat Rev Immunol
Research is exploring a gut–skin axis: how the gut microbiome is associated with the skin.[3]
WHAT PEOPLE OFTEN MENTION
Sources [3] Salem I et al. 2018, Frontiers in Microbiology · [4] Human Microbiome Project Consortium 2012, Nature · [9] Camilleri M 2019, Gut
Your mouth has its own microbiome, one of the body's most varied microbial communities.[4]
WHAT PEOPLE OFTEN MENTION
Sources [4] Human Microbiome Project Consortium 2012, Nature · [13] Dewhirst FE et al. 2010, J Bacteriol
A vaginal microbiome is usually dominated by Lactobacillus species; research is exploring what shifts in that balance mean.[5]
WHAT PEOPLE OFTEN MENTION
Sources [5] Ravel J et al. 2011, PNAS
A large share of your body's immune tissue sits in the gut wall.[6]
WHAT PEOPLE OFTEN MENTION
Sources [6] Vighi G et al. 2008, Clinical & Experimental Immunology · [8] Levy M et al. 2017, Nat Rev Immunol · [11] Belkaid Y & Hand TW 2014, Cell
Blood from your gut travels straight to your liver through the portal vein, which is why researchers talk about a gut–liver axis.[7]
WHAT PEOPLE OFTEN MENTION
Sources [7] Tripathi A et al. 2018, Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol · [12] Albillos A et al. 2020, J Hepatol
KEY TERMS
Think of a garden in balance: lots of different plants, none crowding out the rest. Researchers use eubiosis for a gut community that's varied and steady.[10]
The same garden, out of balance: a few plants have spread and others have thinned out. Dysbiosis is the word researchers use for that shift. It describes the community, not a diagnosis.[8]
Your gut lining works like a fine sieve: nutrients through, most other things held back. Leaky gut is the everyday name for a sieve letting more through. Researchers call it increased intestinal permeability, and they're still working out what it means.[9]
Our tests · collected at home
Four tests, collected at home and processed by an Australian pathology laboratory. Choose one yourself, take the 2-minute quiz, or ask our patient-care team. Your report comes straight to you.
Kits posted to you, returned in the satchel provided
Processed by an Australian pathology laboratory
Optional consultation to go through your results
from $370
Stool sample, collected at home. Often discussed for bloating, irregular bowel habits and food reactions.
Results in 7–10 business days
qPCR amplification, run here in Melbourne
Results in 7–10 business days
qPCR amplification, run here in Melbourne
Results in 11–14 business days
Shotgun metagenomic sequencing, here in Melbourne
Results in 11–14 business days
Shotgun metagenomic sequencing, here in Melbourne
Results in 11–14 business days
Shotgun metagenomic sequencing, here in Melbourne
from $370
View test →
$300
Three-hour breath test, at home. Often discussed for bloating and gas after meals.
Results in 5–7 business days
$300
View test →
$300
Saliva swab, at home. Often discussed for gum and breath concerns.
Results in 5–7 business days
$300
View test →
$300
Discreet self-collected swab, at home. Often discussed for recurring discomfort.
Results in 5–7 business days
$300
View test →Turnaround is in business days, counted from when the laboratory receives your sample. Prices are for the kit and laboratory processing. Every order starts with your patient details.
100% telehealth · Australia-wide
Kits are posted to you and returned in the satchel provided. If you'd like a doctor to review your results, consultations are held by video.
Video consults
From home, any state or territory.
Kits posted to you
Returned in the satchel provided.
Doctor review
Optional. A doctor reviews your results with your symptoms.
Consults from $250
Postcodes shown are examples · kits are posted to any Australian address
The founder
About Dr Froomes ↗A gastroenterologist and consultant physician in Melbourne. He founded The Microbiome Clinic so people can test their microbiome at home and, if they choose, have a doctor go through their results alongside their symptoms and history. Medical and holistic, together.
BMedSci, MBBS
Monash University
FRACP
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Credentials
Every consultation is with a doctor registered with Ahpra. Bring your results and your symptoms, and your doctor builds a plan with you.
Dr Juliet Froomes
Registered medical practitioner
Dr Lisa Laidlaw
Registered medical practitioner
Dr Vidya Prabhu
Registered medical practitioner
Dr Joanna Hickey
Registered medical practitioner
2 min · a few questions · one place to start 2 min · a few questions
The quiz asks what you notice, then suggests which of our four tests to look at. Nothing to decide today. The quiz suggests which of our four tests to look at. Nothing to decide today.
Not quite sure what to do? Book a discovery call
15 min · no charge · no obligation
Yes. Every doctor at The Microbiome Clinic is registered with Ahpra, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. The clinic was founded and is led by Dr Paul Froomes, Gastroenterologist (MBBS, FRACP).
Yes. The human microbiome is an active area of medical research, and our doctors work from published human studies. Much of that research is still exploring associations rather than settled cause and effect. Your doctor will tell you where the evidence is stronger and where it is still early.
Consultations with our registered medical practitioners are private and are not claimable through Medicare. A Medicare rebate may apply to a consultation with Dr Paul Froomes when you hold a current referral to him from your treating doctor. Our patient-care team explains fees before you book.
You do not need a referral to see our registered medical practitioners. A referral from your treating doctor is needed for a consultation with Dr Paul Froomes, and it is what allows a Medicare rebate to apply. If you are unsure which is right for you, book a discovery call and our patient-care team will explain both.
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are in Australia. After booking you receive a link to join at the scheduled time. Your doctor takes your history, discusses any test report with you and explains what happens next. Follow-up appointments are held the same way.
It depends on the test. SIBO breath, oral and vaginal tests are usually reported 5–7 business days after the laboratory receives your sample. The Gut Microbiome Test and Complete take 7–10 business days, and Gut Microbiome Max+ and the Kids and Baby tests 11–14. When your report is in, you can book a consultation yourself if you would like a doctor to go through it with you.
Our doctors see people with digestive, skin, oral and women's health symptoms, the areas listed above. Whether a consultation or testing is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances, and your doctor discusses that with you.
About us · who we are
Founded in Melbourne by Dr Paul Froomes. You test at home, and if you choose, a doctor goes through your results with you: a doctor-led program based on your results.
0 items · prices in AUD
Choose a test yourself, or let the 2-minute quiz narrow it down for you.
$27 Standard shipping is added once per order at checkout, however many tests.
CheckoutKits are posted to you. A doctor's review of your results is optional and booked separately.
