Yes, you can collect a stool sample for Vibrant's Gut Zoomer from a colostomy bag or ileostomy bag; however, the Gut Zoomer has not been validated on this specimen type, so results should be interpreted with caution as ostomy bags have not been tested for test interference.
A J-bag, medically referred to as a J-pouch or ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), is a surgically constructed internal reservoir formed from the final portion of the small intestine (ileum). It serves as a substitute for the rectum, allowing stool to be collected and stored following surgical removal of the colon and rectum. The Gut Zoomer was validated in an apparently healthy adult reference population and has not been validated in a reference population with a J-bag, so results should be interpreted with caution.
Per the Gut Zoomer Collection Instructions, please fill both tubes (orange top and white top). Please choose well-formed and diarrheal samples of the stool, if present. If present, please also choose a bloody area of stool, too. For the orange top tube, please add enough stool to raise the liquid level to the arrow on the side of the vial.
To watch the stool collection video, please visit https://vibrantwellness.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/14060179346075-Stool-Collection-Instructions-Video.