Metabolism+Microbiome: How the S’Wipe™ Test Differs from Other Gut Health Tests

At-home gut health tests are gaining popularity, promising to reveal insights about digestion, inflammation, and even mental health. But not all tests are created equal. Some tell you who lives in your gut, while others show what those microbes are actually doing.

That distinction is crucial. The composition of the gut microbiome doesn’t always reflect its function. To make an informed decision, it’s important to understand the types of gut tests available and what kind of data they provide.

This guide explores how different gut health tests work—and why combining them may offer the most complete picture of your digestive health.

Types of Gut Health Tests

Microbiome-Based Gut Health Tests (16S, metagenomics)

Tests like Viome, BiomeSight, and Ombre analyze the genetic material of bacteria, archaea, and fungi in your gut. They focus on identifying which microbes are present and in what proportions.

🔹 What they offer:

• A detailed snapshot of your gut’s microbial community
  
• Comparisons against population averages
  
• Generalized dietary and probiotic suggestions
  

🔹 What they lack:

• These tests don’t show how active the microbes are
  
• They don’t analyze what those microbes are producing
  

Metabolomics-Based Gut Health Tests

These tests measure the functional output of your microbiome — the metabolic byproducts that directly influence digestion, immunity, mood and disease risk.  These metabolic byproducts include:

• Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate, butyrate, propionate
  
• Bile acids
  
• Other biochemical markers
  

Examples include Intus Bio GutID, BIOHM, and S’Wipe™.

🔹 What they offer:

• A window into what your microbes are actually doing
  
• A more functional, often clinically actionable profile

Better alignment with symptoms and real-life effects

What Makes S’Wipe™ Gut Health Test Unique

S’Wipe™ is an at-home metabolomics test developed by BileOmix. It stands out both in how it works and what it focuses on.

🔸 Collection method:
The sample is collected with a wipe after using the toilet — quick, clean, and user-friendly. No messy containers or complicated instructions.

🔸 What it measures:
SCFAs — including acetate, butyrate, and propionate — are key metabolic products of fiber fermentation, which regulate inflammation, gut barrier integrity, and overall gut health.

🔸 What you get:
Clear, personalized recommendations on how much soluble fiber to eat — practical and easy to apply.

🔸 Scientific backing:
The collection method is validated in peer-reviewed studies and compatible with mass spectrometry.
The product is ISO 9001:2015 certified.

🔸 Key point:
S’Wipe™ does not analyze microbiome composition — it reveals how well your microbes are working.

See how it works

How to Choose the Right Gut Health Test for You

S’wipe is ideal for those seeking a quick, non-invasive snapshot of gut health focused on metabolite activity and actionable lifestyle insights, especially when cost and repeatability are priorities. In contrast, microbiome-based tests are better suited for individuals or practitioners who require detailed bacterial taxonomy, strain-level data to guide probiotic therapy, pathogen screening, or long-term protocol development. While S’wipe emphasizes functional output, microbiome tests delve into the microbial composition itself, offering deeper diagnostic and therapeutic potential.

Selecting between microbiome-based tests and metabolomics-based tests isn’t easy. Use the comparison table below to match your goals with the right testing approach—or consider using both for a more complete picture.

Even Better, Combine a Microbiome test with S’wipe for a Complete View of Your Gut Health.

Combining the S’wipe Gu Health Test with a microbiome-based test offers a more comprehensive view of gut health by bridging functional activity with microbial composition. While the microbiome test identifies which bacteria are present and their potential roles, S’wipe reveals what those microbes are actually doing—highlighting metabolite production and biochemical activity. 

For instance, if a microbiome test shows low levels of Bifidobacterium, and S’wipe™ reveals low butyrate production, a practitioner might recommend targeted prebiotics to boost both presence and function. 

This dual approach enables more precise interventions, allowing practitioners to correlate bacterial strains with functional outcomes, tailor probiotic or dietary strategies, and monitor both structural and dynamic changes in the gut over time.

Metabolism+Microbiome Testing Use Case

Meet Jordan: a 38-year-old dealing with bloating and fatigue. A microbiome test showed low diversity, but it wasn’t clear what was causing symptoms. S’wipe™ revealed low butyrate and acetate levels, leading to a targeted fiber protocol and measurable symptom improvement in 4 weeks.

Your gut health testing plan might look similar:

• Step 1: Microbiome test → identify missing strains 
• Step 2: S’wipe™ → assess functional output
• Step 3: Intervention → targeted prebiotics, probiotics, fiber
• Step 4: Retest with S’wipe™ to track functional improvement

What Does a S’Wipe Gut Health Report Look Like for Consumer Diagnostic Use?

Conclusion

S’Wipe™ isn’t “just another gut test” — it’s a functional metabolomics tool that shows how your microbiome is performing, not just who’s there.

If you’re ready to take real action based on what your gut is doing, this test offers a science-backed, user-friendly entry point.

And in the age of personalized health, starting with function over taxonomy might just be the smartest move.

Whether you’re troubleshooting symptoms or optimizing long-term wellness, S’wipe™ offers a practical starting point—and pairing it with a microbiome test can take your gut strategy to the next level.

Ready to Understand Your Gut?

Order your personalized S’Wipe™ Gut Health Report and discover exactly how your microbiome is performing. Get clear, science-backed insights into digestion, energy, and wellness—delivered within 3–5 days after we receive your sample.

Consumer Kit Includes:

• 3 collection vials for consecutive sampling
• Pre-paid shipping to our lab
• Comprehensive personalized report
• Custom fiber recommendations
• Progress tracking tools

Order Your Personal Test