Are there populations where this test isn't appropriate or requires special interpretation?

Test with caution or delay:

1. Active acute gastroenteritis:

• Wait 2-4 weeks after resolution
• Acute infection dramatically skews results

3. Current antibiotic use:

• Wait 4 weeks after completion
• Results won't reflect baseline state
• Exception: If testing to assess antibiotic impact

Interpret with context:

Immunocompromised patients:

• May have atypical organisms or opportunistic pathogens
• Lower threshold for concern with dysbiosis
• Coordinate with oncology/infectious disease teams

Post-surgical:

• Gastric bypass, colectomy, and ileostomy affect the microbiome
• Interpretation must account for altered anatomy
• May have permanently altered "optimal" ranges