{"id":10652,"date":"2025-10-15T17:30:34","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T14:30:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/?p=10652"},"modified":"2026-04-20T18:53:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T15:53:34","slug":"analysis-of-intestinal-bacteria-doctor-39-s-recommendations-on-the-most-frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/analysis-of-intestinal-bacteria-doctor-39-s-recommendations-on-the-most-frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Intestinal bacteria analysis: doctor&#039;s answers to frequently asked questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"74\" data-end=\"438\">Bloating, rumbling, unstable stools, skin that suddenly started reacting to familiar foods - all this can be a consequence of a violation of the intestinal microflora. In such cases, gastroenterologists often advise to undergo <strong data-start=\"275\" data-end=\"305\">intestinal bacteria analysis<\/strong>. To understand when it is really needed and what its results mean, we have prepared a format <strong data-start=\"404\" data-end=\"435\">FAQ (questions and answers)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"440\" data-end=\"475\">What is intestinal microflora?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"476\" data-end=\"655\">About 100,000 live in your intestines. <strong data-start=\"510\" data-end=\"544\">100 trillion microorganisms<\/strong>. It&#039;s not just bacteria, but also fungi, viruses, archaea. Together they form <strong data-start=\"613\" data-end=\"626\">microbiome<\/strong> \u2014 a complex ecosystem that:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"656\" data-end=\"903\">\n<li data-start=\"656\" data-end=\"689\">\n<p data-start=\"658\" data-end=\"689\">helps digest food;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"690\" data-end=\"724\">\n<p data-start=\"692\" data-end=\"724\">produces vitamins B and K;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"725\" data-end=\"748\">\n<p data-start=\"727\" data-end=\"748\">supports immunity;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"749\" data-end=\"903\">\n<p data-start=\"751\" data-end=\"903\">regulates mood and sleep (through the production of serotonin).<br data-start=\"803\" data-end=\"806\" \/>If the balance of microflora is disrupted, it is felt not only in the stomach - the whole body suffers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"905\" data-end=\"959\">When does a doctor order a test for intestinal bacteria?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"960\" data-end=\"1022\">This test is not needed by everyone, but it is especially indicated if:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1023\" data-end=\"1373\">\n<li data-start=\"1023\" data-end=\"1073\">\n<p data-start=\"1025\" data-end=\"1073\">worries <strong data-start=\"1032\" data-end=\"1070\">bloating, gas, discomfort after eating<\/strong>;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1074\" data-end=\"1134\">\n<p data-start=\"1076\" data-end=\"1134\">\u0454 <strong data-start=\"1078\" data-end=\"1099\">unstable chair<\/strong> (frequent alternation of constipation and diarrhea);<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1135\" data-end=\"1189\">\n<p data-start=\"1137\" data-end=\"1189\">you recently took <strong data-start=\"1159\" data-end=\"1186\">antibiotics or hormones<\/strong>;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1190\" data-end=\"1256\">\n<p data-start=\"1192\" data-end=\"1256\">are observed <strong data-start=\"1208\" data-end=\"1226\">skin reactions<\/strong> \u2014 rashes, itching, allergies;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1257\" data-end=\"1305\">\n<p data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1305\">\u0454 <strong data-start=\"1261\" data-end=\"1302\">decreased immunity or <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/chronic-inflammation-is-not-just-exhaustion-it-is-also-known-as-exhaustion\/\"   title=\"CHRONIC FATIGUE: HOW TO RECOGNIZE THAT IT&#039;S NOT JUST EXHAUST\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"105\">chronic fatigue<\/a><\/strong>;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1306\" data-end=\"1373\">\n<p data-start=\"1308\" data-end=\"1373\">the child has frequent colic, poor digestion, or weight loss.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"1375\" data-end=\"1421\">What are the types of microflora tests?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1422\" data-end=\"1481\">Modern laboratory diagnostics offers several approaches:<\/p>\n<div class=\"_tableContainer_1rjym_1\">\n<div class=\"group _tableWrapper_1rjym_13 flex w-fit flex-col-reverse\">\n<table class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\" data-start=\"1483\" data-end=\"2060\">\n<thead data-start=\"1483\" data-end=\"1541\">\n<tr data-start=\"1483\" data-end=\"1541\">\n<th data-start=\"1483\" data-end=\"1501\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Type of study<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"1501\" data-end=\"1518\" data-col-size=\"md\">How is it done?<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"1518\" data-end=\"1529\" data-col-size=\"md\">Advantages<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"1529\" data-end=\"1541\" data-col-size=\"md\">Disadvantages<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"1604\" data-end=\"2060\">\n<tr data-start=\"1604\" data-end=\"1797\">\n<td data-start=\"1604\" data-end=\"1645\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"1606\" data-end=\"1644\">Bacteriological culture (classical)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-start=\"1645\" data-end=\"1692\" data-col-size=\"md\">A stool sample is plated on nutrient media.<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"1692\" data-end=\"1736\" data-col-size=\"md\">Determines live bacteria, their ratio<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"1797\" data-col-size=\"md\">Result in 5\u20137 days, does not detect all microorganisms<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"1798\" data-end=\"1909\">\n<td data-start=\"1798\" data-end=\"1815\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"1800\" data-end=\"1814\">PCR analysis<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-start=\"1815\" data-end=\"1847\" data-col-size=\"md\">Detects bacterial DNA in a sample<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"1847\" data-end=\"1876\" data-col-size=\"md\">High accuracy, speed<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"1876\" data-end=\"1909\" data-col-size=\"md\">Does not show the number of bacteria<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"1910\" data-end=\"2060\">\n<td data-start=\"1910\" data-end=\"1947\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"1946\">Metagenomic analysis (16S rRNA)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-start=\"1947\" data-end=\"1983\" data-col-size=\"md\">DNA sequencing of the entire microbiota<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"1983\" data-end=\"2017\" data-col-size=\"md\">The most complete picture of the composition of the flora<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2017\" data-end=\"2060\" data-col-size=\"md\">High cost, not available in all laboratories<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 data-start=\"2062\" data-end=\"2096\">How to prepare for the analysis?<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"2097\" data-end=\"2390\">\n<li data-start=\"2097\" data-end=\"2171\">\n<p data-start=\"2099\" data-end=\"2171\">Stop taking after 3\u20135 days <strong data-start=\"2128\" data-end=\"2168\">antibiotics, laxatives, <a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/what-probiotic-supplements-are-needed-and-how-to-use-them-correctly\/\">probiotics<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2172\" data-end=\"2229\">\n<p data-start=\"2174\" data-end=\"2229\">Do not do enemas or use rectal suppositories.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2230\" data-end=\"2317\">\n<p data-start=\"2232\" data-end=\"2317\">Collect the sample in a sterile container and deliver to the laboratory within 2\u20133 hours.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2318\" data-end=\"2390\">\n<p data-start=\"2320\" data-end=\"2390\">In infants, the material is taken from a diaper or potty, without urine impurities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"2392\" data-end=\"2441\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10654\" src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/themes\/woodmart\/images\/lazy.svg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vid-speredi-muzcina-vrac-v-belom-medicinskom-kostume-s-maskoi-iz-za-covid-rabotausego-s-mikroskopom-na-belom-prostranstve.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of intestinal microflora under a microscope\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vid-speredi-muzcina-vrac-v-belom-medicinskom-kostume-s-maskoi-iz-za-covid-rabotausego-s-mikroskopom-na-belom-prostranstve.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vid-speredi-muzcina-vrac-v-belom-medicinskom-kostume-s-maskoi-iz-za-covid-rabotausego-s-mikroskopom-na-belom-prostranstve-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vid-speredi-muzcina-vrac-v-belom-medicinskom-kostume-s-maskoi-iz-za-covid-rabotausego-s-mikroskopom-na-belom-prostranstve-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vid-speredi-muzcina-vrac-v-belom-medicinskom-kostume-s-maskoi-iz-za-covid-rabotausego-s-mikroskopom-na-belom-prostranstve-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vid-speredi-muzcina-vrac-v-belom-medicinskom-kostume-s-maskoi-iz-za-covid-rabotausego-s-mikroskopom-na-belom-prostranstve-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vid-speredi-muzcina-vrac-v-belom-medicinskom-kostume-s-maskoi-iz-za-covid-rabotausego-s-mikroskopom-na-belom-prostranstve-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"2392\" data-end=\"2441\">What do the results look like and how to interpret them?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2442\" data-end=\"2603\">The result is a table that lists the types of bacteria and their number in <strong data-start=\"2514\" data-end=\"2560\">CFU\/g (colony forming units per gram)<\/strong>.<br data-start=\"2561\" data-end=\"2564\" \/>Approximate norms for an adult:<\/p>\n<div class=\"_tableContainer_1rjym_1\">\n<div class=\"group _tableWrapper_1rjym_13 flex w-fit flex-col-reverse\">\n<table class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\" data-start=\"2605\" data-end=\"3077\">\n<thead data-start=\"2605\" data-end=\"2644\">\n<tr data-start=\"2605\" data-end=\"2644\">\n<th data-start=\"2605\" data-end=\"2616\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Bacteria<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2616\" data-end=\"2624\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Norm<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2624\" data-end=\"2644\" data-col-size=\"md\">Role in the body<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"2687\" data-end=\"3077\">\n<tr data-start=\"2687\" data-end=\"2766\">\n<td data-start=\"2687\" data-end=\"2704\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Bifidobacteria<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2704\" data-end=\"2715\" data-col-size=\"sm\">10\u2079\u201310\u00b9\u2070<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2715\" data-end=\"2766\" data-col-size=\"md\">The main &quot;protectors&quot; of the intestine, vitamin synthesis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2767\" data-end=\"2841\">\n<td data-start=\"2767\" data-end=\"2783\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Lactobacteria<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2783\" data-end=\"2793\" data-col-size=\"sm\">10\u2077\u201310\u2078<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"md\" data-start=\"2793\" data-end=\"2841\">Maintain acidity, inhibit pathogens<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2842\" data-end=\"2912\">\n<td data-start=\"2842\" data-end=\"2863\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Escherichia coli (E. coli)<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2863\" data-end=\"2873\" data-col-size=\"sm\">10\u2076\u201310\u2078<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2873\" data-end=\"2912\" data-col-size=\"md\">Produces vitamin K, maintains balance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2913\" data-end=\"2986\">\n<td data-start=\"2913\" data-end=\"2926\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Enterococci<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2926\" data-end=\"2936\" data-col-size=\"sm\">10\u2075\u201310\u2077<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2936\" data-end=\"2986\" data-col-size=\"md\">Conditionally useful, but excess is a signal of dysbiosis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2987\" data-end=\"3077\">\n<td data-start=\"2987\" data-end=\"3008\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Pathogenic bacteria<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3008\" data-end=\"3029\">Normally - absent<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"md\" data-start=\"3029\" data-end=\"3077\">Their appearance indicates infection or inflammation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote data-start=\"3079\" data-end=\"3254\">\n<p data-start=\"3081\" data-end=\"3254\">Important: There is no \u00ababsolutely correct\u00bb ratio of bacteria. Your doctor will evaluate the results based on your age, diet, past illnesses, and even your stress level.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3 data-start=\"3256\" data-end=\"3291\">What does the diagnosis of &quot;dysbiosis&quot; mean?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3292\" data-end=\"3362\">This is not a disease, but <strong data-start=\"3309\" data-end=\"3339\">state of microflora imbalance<\/strong>. The reason may be:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3363\" data-end=\"3639\">\n<li data-start=\"3363\" data-end=\"3419\">\n<p data-start=\"3365\" data-end=\"3419\">improper diet (excess sugar, fatty foods);<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3420\" data-end=\"3442\">\n<p data-start=\"3422\" data-end=\"3442\">frequent antibiotics;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3443\" data-end=\"3482\">\n<p data-start=\"3445\" data-end=\"3482\">stress, insomnia, hormonal changes;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3483\" data-end=\"3639\">\n<p data-start=\"3485\" data-end=\"3639\">infection or poisoning.<br data-start=\"3507\" data-end=\"3510\" \/>Symptoms are often similar to irritable bowel syndrome: flatulence, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and a feeling of &quot;heaviness&quot; after eating.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"3641\" data-end=\"3681\">How to restore balance after analysis?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3682\" data-end=\"3732\">After receiving the results, the doctor may advise:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"3733\" data-end=\"4022\">\n<li data-start=\"3733\" data-end=\"3805\">\n<p data-start=\"3736\" data-end=\"3805\"><strong data-start=\"3736\" data-end=\"3754\">Diet correction<\/strong> \u2014 more fiber, vegetables, and fermented foods.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3806\" data-end=\"3879\">\n<p data-start=\"3809\" data-end=\"3879\"><strong data-start=\"3809\" data-end=\"3823\">Probiotics<\/strong> \u2014 live beneficial bacteria in the form of capsules or yogurts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3880\" data-end=\"3965\">\n<p data-start=\"3883\" data-end=\"3965\"><strong data-start=\"3883\" data-end=\"3897\">Prebiotics<\/strong> \u2014 substances that \u00abfeed\u00bb the microflora (inulin, fiber, bananas).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3966\" data-end=\"4022\">\n<p data-start=\"3969\" data-end=\"4022\"><strong data-start=\"3969\" data-end=\"3981\">Enzymes<\/strong> \u2014 if digestive problems are detected.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 data-start=\"4024\" data-end=\"4071\">Is it possible to do the analysis for prevention?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4072\" data-end=\"4282\">Yes. Especially if you often feel tired, have skin rashes or intolerance to certain foods. For prevention, it is enough to check the microflora <strong data-start=\"4229\" data-end=\"4243\">once a year<\/strong>, especially after courses of antibiotics.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4284\" data-end=\"4324\">Why is it important to know your microbiome?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4325\" data-end=\"4649\">Microflora is your \u00abinner world.\u00bb It affects not only digestion, but also <strong data-start=\"4406\" data-end=\"4436\">immunity, mood, energy<\/strong>. WHO and Mayo Clinic studies show that the state of gut bacteria is even linked to risk <strong data-start=\"4535\" data-end=\"4568\">diabetes, <a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/microbiome-and-obesity-as-bacteria-affect-body-mass\/\">adiposity<\/a> and depression<\/strong>. Taking care of your intestines is not a fad, but part of taking care of your own health.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4651\" data-end=\"4664\">Sources<\/h3>\n<ol data-start=\"4665\" data-end=\"4873\">\n<li data-start=\"4665\" data-end=\"4723\">\n<p data-start=\"4668\" data-end=\"4723\">WHO. <em data-start=\"4674\" data-end=\"4714\">Gut Microbiome and Human Health Report<\/em>, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4724\" data-end=\"4804\">\n<p data-start=\"4727\" data-end=\"4804\">Mayo Clinic. <em data-start=\"4740\" data-end=\"4801\">Microbiota testing and stool diagnostics: clinical overview<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4805\" data-end=\"4873\">\n<p data-start=\"4808\" data-end=\"4873\">FDA. <em data-start=\"4813\" data-end=\"4864\">Laboratory standards for microbiological analysis<\/em>, 2023.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bloating, rumbling, unstable stools, skin that suddenly began to react to familiar foods - all this can be a consequence of a violation of the microflora.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":627,"featured_media":10653,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10652","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10652","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/627"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10652"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10652\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10653"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10652"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10652"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10652"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}