DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAMS
Gut and Oral Microbiome
Testing
Microbiome testing analyses the balance and diversity of gut bacteria to identify imbalances
that may be contributing to inflammation, metabolic disruption, and digestive dysfunction.
MELBOURNE | SYDNEY
What is microbiome testing?
Microbiome testing examines the bacteria that live in your body, in your digestive system and in your mouth. It identifies which bacteria are present and how well balanced they are. This information helps our physician team understand how your microbiome may be influencing digestion, immunity, inflammation, and long-term health.
At HealthScreen, we offer two microbiome tests, both developed by Gutlinx and both using 16S rRNA sequencing:
Gut16 – Analyses your gut microbiome from a stool sample
Oral16 – Analyses your oral microbiome from a saliva sample
Each test can be taken on its own, or together for a fuller picture. Both are non-invasive, and both are designed to complement the care you already receive from your GP.
WHY IT MATTERS
Why is microbiome health important?
Your microbiome affects more than digestion alone. It influences:
- Inflammation and immune response
- Metabolism and insulin sensitivity
- Nutrient absorption and cellular repair
- Mood, cognition, and mental clarity
- Oral barrier integrity and the balance of oral-gut axis
Learn more about our diagnostic programs
The connection
The oral-gut axis
Your mouth can reveal more than you might think. Every day, billions of oral microbes are swallowed and travel to your gut, influencing digestion, immunity and metabolism, and making the mouth a valuable, non-invasive window into whole-body health.
Oral microbiomeBacteria in the mouth
Gut microbiomeTrillions of microbes
Whole-body healthImmunity, metabolism, mood
The tests
Two tests, one clear picture of your microbiome
Both use the same 16S rRNA sequencing and the same laboratory. The difference is what they sample, and what they reveal. Take either on its own, or together for a fuller picture. Select a test to see the full detail.
Gut, stool sample
Oral, saliva sample Optional add-on
Personalised probiotic with GutPro
Based on your Gut16 or Oral16 results, you can choose to receive a personalised GutPro Probiotic, developed by Gutlinx to support your microbiome.
GutPro formulations are
- Guided by your results: personalised to your microbiome, diet and health goals.
- Formulated with clinically validated strains: to restore beneficial bacteria, reduce inflammation and improve gut resilience.
- Enhanced with natural prebiotics: including green banana powder, known to promote beneficial species such as Faecalibacterium and Bifidobacterium.
Probiotic categories include
- GutPro Maintenance: for microbial support and prevention.
- GutPro Optimisation: to correct dysbiosis and rebalance flora.
- GutPro Restorative: for rebuilding resilience and gut repair.
Personalised probiotics are available with both Gut16 and Oral16. This is completely optional, and your physician can help you decide whether it is appropriate for you.
Our partner
What's included
Gutlinx is a microbiome science company that develops microbiome tests and personalised probiotics. They analyse bacteria using laboratory sequencing technology and use this data to create reports and probiotic formulations tailored to an individual's microbiome.
We partner with Gutlinx to deliver both gut and oral microbiome testing, with optional personalised probiotic support.
- Gut16 microbiome testing, completed on site or in the comfort of your own home
- Oral16 oral microbiome testing, collected on your diagnostic day
- Detailed microbiome report covering balance, inflammation and personalised insights
- Optional personalised GutPro probiotic with supporting natural prebiotics, available with either test
The process
How microbiome testing works
1
Collect your sample
A saliva sample for Oral16, collected on your diagnostic day. A small stool sample for Gut16, collected on-site or at home and posted back.
2
Laboratory sequencing
Your sample is analysed using 16S rRNA sequencing to identify and measure the bacteria present.
3
Your personalised report
Gutlinx's proprietary microbiome database translates your results into a detailed report covering microbial balance, inflammation and metabolic insights.
4
Physician review
Your HealthScreen Physician reviews your results with you and helps you understand what they mean, and what to do next.
Take the First Step Towards a Healthier, Longer Life
Microbiome insights contribute to a broader understanding of health and support informed, preventative care. Gut16 and Oral16 are both available as part of our longevity membership or within our diagnostic programs.
Contact Us
FAQs
Should I do one test or both?
Either test can be taken on its own. Gut16 is often the starting point if you’re experiencing digestive symptoms. Oral16 suits people focused on healthy ageing, immune resilience, and metabolic insight, and it’s the more convenient option, as the saliva sample is collected on your diagnostic day.
Taken together, they give a fuller view of the oral-gut axis and how the two environments are influencing each other. Your physician can help you decide what’s most useful for you.
Who should consider microbiome testing?
Microbiome testing may be helpful for people who are experiencing ongoing digestive issues, low energy, bloating, food sensitivities, or recurrent inflammation.
It’s also useful if you’re generally interested in understanding your microbiome as part of a preventative or longevity-focused approach, even if you don’t have specific symptoms.
What sample is required?
It depends on the test. Gut16 requires a small stool sample, collected on the day as part of your assessment, or at home and posted back to us. Oral16 requires a saliva sample, collected on your diagnostic day. No blood tests, procedures, or invasive steps are involved in either test.
Do I need to prepare for the Oral16 saliva sample?
[TBC, awaiting collection protocol from Gutlinx] Confirm whether fasting, or avoiding brushing, eating, drinking, or mouthwash beforehand is required, and for how long. This FAQ cannot go live empty, and the protocol also needs to reach Trish and Jodie for the diagnostic day workflow.
I'm on the Platinum Program, which test is included?
The HealthScreen Platinum Program includes one microbiome test as a standard inclusion. You can choose either Gut16 or Oral16. If you’d like both, the second test can be added as an optional extra.
What is the oral-gut axis?
The oral-gut axis describes the relationship between the bacteria in your mouth and the bacteria in your gut. Oral microbes are swallowed continuously and interact with the gut environment, which means the balance of your oral microbiome can influence digestion, immunity, and inflammation more broadly.
Will I receive a report explaining my results?
Yes, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining your results and key findings. You’ll be able to ask any questions to help understand what your results mean in the context of your overall health.
How accurate and reliable is microbiome testing?
Both Gut16 and Oral16 use 16S rRNA sequencing, a widely used and well-established method for analysing bacterial communities. While no test can capture every microorganism present, this approach provides reliable insight into bacterial balance.
Can results help guide probiotic or prebiotic use?
Yes, the same laboratory that analyses your results can recommend a personalised probiotic formulation.
Based on your Gut16 or Oral16 results, you’ll have the option to purchase a personalised probiotic and natural prebiotics designed to support your microbiome profile. This is completely optional, and your physician can help you decide whether it’s appropriate for you.
How often should microbiome testing be repeated?
This varies from person to person. Many people choose to repeat their testing when they are due for their next HealthScreen appointment. You may also opt for more frequent testing to monitor your progress if you are taking probiotics.