Gut Health Test
Thorne sets the standard for home testing by utilizing shotgun metagenomic sequencing rather than the cheaper 16S rRNA sequencing used by most competitors. This provides a high-resolution view of the entire gut microbiome, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, paired with a proprietary 'Wipe' collection method that is significantly more user-friendly.
Ingredients & Purity
The kit uses a unique fecal collection tissue (the 'Wipe') which stabilizes DNA/RNA without the need for messy liquid buffers, preserving the sample integrity during shipping.
Scientific Evidence
Uses shotgun metagenomics, the gold standard in microbiome research. Thorne's AI-driven insights are based on peer-reviewed clinical literature and their partnership with the Mayo Clinic.
Brand Transparency
Thorne is one of the few brands that publishes their own clinical validation studies and maintains an A-grade transparency rating for their manufacturing and lab partnerships.
Value Assessment
At $198, it is more expensive than basic kits, but the depth of data (pathogens, diversity, yeast, and metabolic potential) justifies the premium for those seeking clinical-grade data.
Why Not Alternatives?
Most competitors (like Viome or Biohm) use 16S sequencing which only identifies bacteria at the genus level and often lacks the species-level precision required for clinical action. Thorne's use of the OneDraw device for other tests and their rigorous internal validation makes them more reliable than 'wellness-only' brands.