Test Instructions

Getting Started

Kit Contents

  • Register your kit (IMPORTANT). This tells us where to send the results. You will need your Registration ID from the paper that arrived with your kit.

  • Complete your Wellness Profile on the same day you collect your sample. Note: you’ll be asked about foods you’ve consumed in the past 48 hours so we recommend keeping track of what you eat.

  • Lost the paper or need help? Contact us at help@tend-health.com

  • Stool sample tube

  • Coring brush

  • Plastic bulb pipette for liquid stool (use only if needed)

  • “FecesCatcher” (Not named by us! This looks like a printed and folded piece of paper; it has adhesive edges for attaching to the toilet)

  • Plastic resealable bag

  • Specimen bag with label

  • Disposable gloves

How to do it?

  1. Unscrew the sample tube cap. Place the lid upside down on a clean surface. Be careful not to flip the cap over or allow it to touch any objects or other surfaces (this could affect the results).

  2. Collect stool sample on the FecesCatcher, taking care not to urinate on it.  It can be tricky, so your kit includes two of these items in case you need to try again. This instructional video may be helpful.

  3. Obtain a representative sample for the tube:

    i.     For non-liquid stool: Use the coring brush and poke 10-12 different areas and different depths to obtain a representative sampling. For each poke, rotate the coring brush back and forth multiple times to evenly distribute stool around the brush. Avoid large clumps of stool as these make the analysis more difficult. Be careful not to pierce the FecesCatcher.

    ii.     For liquid stool: First collect 1-2 milliliters of liquid with the plastic bulb pipette and squirt it into the collection vial (1-4 squirts). Then use the coring brush as best as you can to collect any solid and liquid stool from many areas around the FecesCatcher to obtain a representative sample.

  4. After completing 10-12 pokes in step 4, place the coring brush in the collection tube and rigorously mix the brush with the buffer for 10 seconds.  Ensure the brush does not have large clumps when doing this. After mixing, dispose of the brush.

  5. Place the cap on the tube and tighten.

  6. Mix the contents by inverting the tube 10 times back and forth.

  7. Detach and flush FecesCatcher and unused stool material.

  8. Place the Stool collection tube into the unmarked resealable bag and seal.

  9. Place that bag into the Specimen bag and seal.

  10. Place the Specimen bag and contents into the pre-paid padded mailing envelope and seal.

  11. Drop off envelope at any USPS location. Make sure you have registered your kit before you mail it! Save your Registration ID until you receive your results.