How to interpret a microbiota report in 5 steps

A microbiota report is interpreted by reviewing which sample was analysed, how the results were obtained and what limitations the laboratory identifies. Its findings may inform a clinical assessment, but they do not, on their own, constitute a diagnosis or an indication for treatment.

In summary:

• A microbiota report describes the results from a sample using a specific method. It is important to review the method’s scope and limitations.
• Detecting a microorganism, or finding it in a particular abundance, does not by itself confirm that it causes symptoms or disease.
• Diversity and dysbiosis should be understood in light of the report’s criteria and the available evidence, not as independent diagnoses.
• Interpreting the results requires consideration of symptoms, medical history, medication and other clinical information. Decisions should be made by a healthcare professional.

Interpretation begins by identifying the sample, the method and the conclusions the report does—and does not—allow.

What information does a microbiota report provide?

A microbiota report describes the results obtained from a specific sample using a particular analysis method. To understand what those results mean, check what type of sample was analysed, what the technique detects and what limitations the laboratory states, as these factors shape how the results should be interpreted.

Check the sample source and the method used. If the analysis uses sequencing, review what genetic material it examines and how the data are used to identify microorganisms. The report may list the microorganisms detected and their relative abundance, meaning the proportion they represent according to the method used. Names may appear at different levels, from broad groups to species; refer to the definitions in the report.

Also consider what the results do not tell you: a detection describes what was observed in the sample, but does not by itself explain its clinical significance. If the document combines microbiome, function and breath test results, check what each section includes in Xenogene’s integrated profiles. The stated methodology and limitations help avoid conclusions that the analysis cannot support.

How should microorganisms and their abundances be interpreted?

The detection or abundance of a microorganism indicates what signal the analysis identified and how it was quantified using the method employed. On its own, it cannot show whether that microorganism is causing symptoms or confirm a disease. To interpret it, check the scientific name, the abundance unit or scale, and the laboratory notes.

If scientific names are listed, check how they are written and whether the report includes abbreviations. Also review what the assigned category means and how the laboratory expresses abundance, without automatically applying criteria from other reports.

High or low abundance should be assessed according to the criteria used in the analysis and alongside the other findings; it is not a universal measure of health. Nor does it allow you to conclude, in isolation, that the microorganism has a clinical effect. To find out what a specific test can tell you, see the information about the intestinal microbiota analysis.

What do diversity and dysbiosis mean in the report?

Diversity and dysbiosis should be interpreted according to the definition, metrics and criteria stated in the report. Diversity summarises the variety of microorganisms observed and, depending on the index, how they are distributed. Dysbiosis is a label used to describe an imbalance; it is not, in itself, a clinical diagnosis or a universal conclusion.

Check the name of the index, what it includes and which reference data it uses. Without this information, an isolated value does not show what comparison it represents. Metrics and criteria can vary between methods, so labels or scores from different reports should not be directly equated.

In a consultation, “dysbiosis” describes an interpretation of the result, but does not, on its own, determine the cause of symptoms or the appropriate intervention. Before starting supplements based solely on this label, discuss its meaning with a healthcare professional and review the evidence on the clinical use of supplements.

How should results be considered alongside symptoms and clinical context?

To assess whether a finding may be relevant, it should be considered alongside symptoms, how they have changed over time, medical history, medication and other available test results. A result appearing at the same time as a symptom does not show that it caused the symptom or, by itself, support a diagnosis.

During a consultation, it may be useful to note when the symptoms began, how they have changed, and what treatments or supplements were being taken when the test was performed. This information can help guide questions and assess whether the result fits the clinical picture, without treating a coincidence as evidence of cause and effect.

It is also worth reviewing whether other relevant tests are available and whether their results point in the same direction. If anything is unclear, you can ask the healthcare professional to explain what the report allows them to conclude and what falls outside its scope. Healthcare professionals can consult the access for healthcare professionals to learn about Xenogene’s working process.

What should you do after reviewing the report?

After reviewing the report, note any findings you do not understand and the questions they raise, and discuss them with a healthcare professional before starting supplements, eliminating foods or changing a treatment. The report can support that conversation, but it does not replace a clinical assessment.

During your appointment, focus the conversation on specific decisions:

• Point out any terms or conclusions in the report that you need clarified.
• Ask which findings require follow-up and which do not support conclusions on their own.
• Agree with the professional on whether further assessment is needed before taking any action.

Do not start or stop treatments or supplements based solely on a result. To learn about Xenogene’s tool, see Sophia for interpreting reports; using it does not replace the healthcare professional’s judgement.

Frequently asked questions

Can a microbiota report identify the cause of my symptoms on its own?

No. The report provides results from a specific sample using a specific method, but it is not enough on its own to attribute symptoms to a microorganism or an imbalance. Its relevance should be assessed alongside symptom progression, medical history and other clinical information, with a healthcare professional.

Should I change my diet or take probiotics based on the results?

You should not make dietary changes or take probiotics based solely on the report. First, discuss the results with a healthcare professional, who can assess them in relation to your symptoms and circumstances. If you are already following a dietary plan or taking medication, consult them before making any changes.

Can reports from different laboratories be compared directly?

Not always. Reports may use different methods, criteria and ways of presenting results. Before comparing them, check which sample was analysed, how the results were obtained and which reference values each laboratory uses. If differences between reports concern you, ask a healthcare professional to assess them in context.

What should I do if the report does not match my symptoms?

Discuss it with a healthcare professional and take the report to your appointment. A difference between the analysis results and how you feel is not, on its own, enough to confirm or rule out a cause. Explain when your symptoms began and how they have changed to help with an assessment in context.

Find out how Sophia can help interpret clinical reports.