This advanced clinical test provides one of the most comprehensive assessments of the vaginal microbiome available today.
The vaginal microbiome shotgun test analyses all microbial DNA from a single vaginal swab using shotgun metagenomic sequencing— giving a complete and highly accurate picture of all of the bacteria, fungi and viruses present. Unlike targeted tests that only look for a small number of microbes, this method captures the full ecosystem, helping to identify subtle imbalances that may contribute to symptoms, recurrent infections or changes in reproductive health. This test provides a broad and unbiased overview of the entire vaginal ecosystem, detecting both beneficial microbes and those associated with conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast or fungal infections, aerobic or cytolytic vaginitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, fertility issues, pregnancy complications, menopause-related changes, and recurrent urinary or vaginal symptoms.
Recurrent thrush and vaginitis are two of the most common reasons that women seek medical attention.
The Vaginal Microbiome shotgun test gives insight into levels of beneficial and harmful bacteria, yeasts and viruses along with the pH.
Although vaginitis may be caused by a foreign organism such as gonorrhoea, far more cases stem from alterations in the vaginal environment which can trigger inflammation and discomfort.
Disruption of vaginal microbiota (dysbiosis) has been linked to many disorders including bacterial vaginosis (BV), premature delivery in pregnancy, infertility, miscarriage and increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
This test is ideal for women who want clarity around their vaginal and reproductive health, including those with:
• Recurrent vaginal infections (BV, yeast such as candida and thrush, or UTIs and chronic cystitis)
• Fertility challenges or a history of pregnancy loss
• Vaginal discomfort, odour, itching or discharge
• Menopausal or perimenopausal changes
• Post-treatment microbiome recovery needs
• A preventative, evidence-based approach to long-term reproductive wellbeing
At Smart Nutrition we pride ourselves on providing you with the best cost possible for the Vaginal Microbiome shotgun test.
Identifying the factors below is essential in preventing recurrence of infection. Just as important is the identification of the causative organisms so that the most effective treatment can be used.
Vaginal microbiome Pathogens can be linked to:
Bacterial vaginosis
Yeast and fungal infections
Aerobic and cytolytic vaginitis
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Fertility and pregnancy complications
Menopause-related changes
• Beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus crispatus, L. iners, and L. jensenii
• Microbes associated with vaginal dysbiosis, including Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella bivia, and Mobiluncus
• Fungal species, including Candida albicans and Candida glabrata
• Viruses, if detected
1 vaginal swab. This is an easy to do at home test – no nurse or doctor visit required.
It is not recommended that you change any prescribed or regular medications or supplements without advice from a suitably qualified medical professional. Some medications or supplements can impact test results. If agreed with your healthcare professional, please follow the guidelines below.
Antibiotics, antifungals, botanical antimicrobials and probiotics (oral or topical):
This depends on whether the treatment is short or long term. In general, we want to capture the ‘normal’ state of the microbiome, which usually means waiting at least two weeks after completing a short-term course of medication. If the medication is being used long term, then this represents your normal state. Never stop or pause a prescribed course of medication without consulting the prescribing practitioner.
If you are pregnant:
• Please check with your GP or healthcare provider to ensure this test is suitable for you.
48 hours prior to collecting your sample:
• Wait 48 hours after penetrative sex, as this can temporarily alter the vaginal microbiome.
On the day of collection:
• Make sure you have time to collect and post the sample on the same day.
• Do not collect samples while menstruating.
• Do not apply vaginal lotions, creams, emollients or use douches before taking the test.
• Do not wash your genital area immediately before collection.
The Vaginal Microbiome Test is suitable for age 18 years and above.
If you need to use the test for anyone under the age of 16, the test must be taken under the supervision of a doctor only.
Your samples can be returned at any time, but ideally within 24 hours of collection and between Monday and Wednesday.
UK returns:
A courier return service is included in the cost of the test.
Please follow the instructions closely to prepare your package and arrange collection from any UK address you choose.
Please note that biological samples cannot be accepted at DHL drop-off points.
Overseas, EU and non-EU returns:
Courier collection is available for international orders, but prices vary. We will need to check the cost and also confirm whether your country is covered. Please contact us so we can obtain the price and advise you accordingly.
Please contact us at admin@smartnutrition.co.uk
The results of the Vaginal Microbiome Shotgun Test will take 17 working days after they have arrived at the lab..
You will receive your results via email.
All sample reports are for representational and educational purposes only. Biomarkers, references ranges, results, and all other data may differ from actual reports. All data included in no way represents an actual patient. Any comparisons of results to actual patients is completely incidental.Â
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Please do not return samples to the laboratories that may arrive after Wednesday 27th March and up to and including Monday 2nd April.
The laboratories are closed from the 28th March – 2nd April for the Easter Holiday.