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

Stool samples for microbiome testing should be processed as fresh as possible. Without preservatives, they are stable at room temperature for about 24–48 hours; refrigerated (4 °C) DNA lasts a few days, frozen (−20 °C or −80 °C) for several months. Many commercial test kits include stabilization buffers that allow storage at room temperature for 1–2 weeks. A microbiome test can help analyze gut bacteria composition and provide clues about dysbiosis, inflammation, or metabolic risks. However, clinical utility is often limited because results are heavily influenced by diet, medications, and individual factors. Storage duration affects sample quality: prolonged storage without protection can cause bacterial growth shifts and skewed results. Therefore, follow the test provider's instructions precisely. Evidence: human-observational. Caveat: microbiome tests are not yet standardized for diagnosis; they offer trends, not definitive medical diagnoses.