wann ist eine stuhlprobe unbrauchbar — what does this mean exactly?

A stool sample becomes unusable if it is not collected, stored, or transported correctly. Common issues include: using the wrong container, contamination with urine or toilet water, storage at room temperature for too long (usually >24 hours), or lack of refrigeration. Taking antibiotics, probiotics, or certain medications shortly before sampling can also alter microbial composition. For MyBody-X microbiome tests, specific instructions apply: the sample should be taken fresh in the morning, kept refrigerated, and sent within 24–48 hours. Blood traces or diarrhea can also compromise analysis. The evidence is based on laboratory practice, not clinical trials. Limitations: a single stool sample only captures a snapshot of the gut flora and can be temporarily affected by diet, travel, or stress. If in doubt, contact the lab or request a new collection kit.