S-Wipe: stool sample collection for metabolomic gut health tracking (Updated April 15, 2024).

A recent preprint abstract discusses the importance of the microbiome in maintaining good health and the challenges of collecting stool samples for analysis. The authors propose a new method called Stool Wipe (S-Wipe) that uses low-cost cellulose wipes to collect stool specimens, which can then be preserved in ethanol solution and shipped via regular mail. The method has been validated for capturing a range of metabolites and shows promise for use in population-based studies, therapeutic interventions, and personalized medicine. It is important to note that this research has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]