wie lange darf man eine stuhlprobe aufbewahren — can a microbiome test help?

The storage time for a stool sample depends on the specific microbiome test kit. Generally, samples should be processed within 24 hours at room temperature, or refrigerated (2–8 °C) for up to 2–3 days. Some kits include stabilization buffers allowing longer storage. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, as delays can alter bacterial composition. A microbiome test can help analyze gut bacteria and indicate imbalances, but its clinical utility is limited. Results are heavily influenced by diet, medications, and probiotics. The test does not replace medical diagnosis for symptoms. Evidence for the benefit of microbiome tests in healthy individuals is still weak („practice“). Caveat: Storage conditions are critical; mishandling leads to unreliable results.