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Longevity pillar · Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Shotgun Gut Microbiome Sequencing in Kuala Lumpur

The microbial ecosystem in your gut shapes digestion, immunity, mood, inflammation and metabolism. We use shotgun metagenomic sequencing - the higher-resolution method - to read every microorganism present, at species and strain level, and what those microbes are functionally doing.

  • MMC-registered doctors
  • KKM Licensed Clinic
  • 4.9 · 750+ reviews
  • Bangsar Shopping Centre
  • 10am-8pm daily
  • Personal health concierge

What it measures

Species and strain identification

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea - identified by reading all DNA fragments present, not just one gene.

Microbial diversity

A diversity score plus the relative balance of beneficial vs opportunistic organisms.

Functional gene profile

What your microbes can actually do - short-chain fatty acid production, vitamin synthesis, metabolic capacity - not just who is there.

Dysbiosis and inflammation markers

Signatures associated with leaky-gut risk, chronic inflammation, and altered immune signalling.

How the test works

Sample

At-home stool collection kit, shelf-stable for several days - no refrigeration required.

Turnaround

Approximately 8 weeks.

Method

Shotgun metagenomic sequencing - every DNA fragment in the sample is read, then mapped against reference databases.

Why this method

Most clinics use 16S sequencing, which reads only one bacterial gene and identifies microbes to genus level. Shotgun captures viruses and fungi as well as bacteria, resolves species and often strains, and reads functional genes - substantially deeper clinical insight at higher cost.

What you'll learn

  • Whether your microbial diversity is in a healthy range.
  • Which beneficial species you are low in - and which opportunistic organisms may be over-represented.
  • Functional capacity for short-chain fatty acid production, B-vitamin synthesis, bile acid metabolism.
  • Markers suggesting dysbiosis, low-grade inflammation, or impaired barrier function.
  • Personalised dietary and prebiotic strategies likely to move your ecosystem.

Who it's for

  • Anyone with chronic digestive issues - bloating, irregularity, food intolerances.
  • Patients with autoimmune symptoms, recurrent inflammation or skin conditions.
  • Athletes and high performers optimising recovery, energy and immunity.
  • Anyone making significant dietary changes who wants to measure the effect.

When to repeat: Every 3-6 months while actively changing diet or treating dysbiosis; otherwise annually.

How it fits the three pillars

No single test defines biological age. The microbiome sits alongside the other two pillars of longevity data - each reveals something the others cannot. Combine them for the most complete picture current medicine can offer.

Included in these packages

All prices are inclusive of pre-test consultation, sample collection at Hisential Clinics, lab analysis, clinician-led interpretation, written report, and an action-plan session.

See the full longevity screening package list.

FAQ

Microbiome - frequently asked questions

Clear answers, written by our clinical team. Tap any question for its direct permalink, or reach out to your Personal Concierge for anything else.

  1. How is shotgun different from a standard 16S microbiome test?

    16S sequences one bacterial gene and identifies microbes to genus level only. Shotgun metagenomics sequences every DNA fragment present - capturing viruses and fungi too, resolving species and often strains, and reading functional genes. The clinical depth is substantially greater.

  2. Do I need to stop any supplements or medications first?

    Antibiotics within the previous 4-6 weeks meaningfully change your microbiome - if possible we schedule sampling outside that window. Probiotics and most other supplements can usually continue; your concierge confirms specifics before your kit ships.

  3. Is the at-home kit difficult?

    No. The kit contains everything you need with written instructions. Collection takes a few minutes and the sample is shelf-stable for several days at room temperature.

  4. Will the test tell me what to eat?

    Your report includes personalised dietary insights based on what your specific ecosystem responds to. Translation into a practical plan happens in the action-plan consultation with our medical team.

  5. How often should I repeat it?

    Every 3-6 months if you are actively changing diet or treating dysbiosis, otherwise annually to track stability.

Still have a question?

Your Personal Concierge replies within one business day - confidentially.

Ready to add microbiome to your longevity baseline?

Your personal health concierge coordinates the consultation, sampling, interpretation and action-plan session end-to-end.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kishen Sivakumar, MBBS (IMU), 11+ yrs Internal Medicine

Last reviewed 1 May 2026 · Next review 1 November 2026