Resources to help you successfully collect your fecal sample at home using the Omnigene-Gut & Omnimet-Gut kits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do I need to provide a fecal sample?
A fecal sample is the best way for us to understand the components of your microbiome. In other words, the bacteria and organisms that make up your gut microbiome are present in your feces. This allows us to collect the information we need in a non-invasive (and convenient) way.

How many samples will I need to collect?
You will collect one sample prior to your transplant surgery, and then one monthly for the duration of the study (6 months) for a total of 7 samples.

When and where do I turn my sample in?
You should collect your sample no earlier than 5 days prior to turn in, and ideally within 24-48 hours of your next scheduled appointment at the transplant clinic. You will bring your sample in the envelope provided and turn it in during your appointment.
*If you are turning your sample in on the date of your surgery, please bring the sample with you and the study staff with collect it from the hospital.

Q: What should I do if I spill the clear liquid in the tubes?
A: If you do spill the liquid, contact the study team as soon as possible for a new kit. Do not attempt to continue sample collection without liquid in the tubes.
As a reminder: Please be careful not to spill any of the clear liquid in the tubes while collecting your sample. To avoid spilling the liquid, we recommend using the napkin provided in your kit to set the spatula with your sample down while opening one tube at a time. Scrape the sample across the first tube and put the spatula back down on the napkin. Once the first tube is secured with the sample, you can open the second tube and scrape the remaining sample in the second tube. Make sure the lids of each tube are secured tightly before shaking and placing back in the plastic biohazard bag.

Kit Checklist

Please review the Kit checklist for a full explanation of each of the items you can expect to find in the collection kit.

Omnigene Gut : Collection Instruction Video Heading link

Additional Instructions for Collection

For Remote Participants (Residing outside of Chicagoland) Heading link

If you are participating in the study as a remote patient of UI Health, you will need to return your samples using the prepaid USPS envelopes provided. Please follow the instructions below:

Mailing your sample
1. Secure your sample tubes tightly and place them in the plastic biohazard bag provided. Include the provided paper towel in the biohazard bag (IMPORTANT: Do not skip this step. A paper towel needs to be included in the bag along with the samples to avoid spillage).

2. Place the plastic bag and your green collection sheet in the padded envelope.

3. The bag and padded envelope should both be sealed.

4. Place the envelope in the larger USPS pre-paid postage envelope

5. Drop the envelope off at your nearest USPS mailbox.