Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Pre-analytical Processing of Human Samples for Microbiota Analysis Quality

This research is looking for the best possible methods to prepare and store human poo samples when scientists want to study the "microbiota" – that's all the tiny living organisms, like bacteria, that live in your gut. The main goal is to make sure the samples are handled in a way that gives the most accurate results for scientific tests. Researchers will compare various common ways of collecting poo samples, including new self-collection kits, with the current best method (quickly frozen fresh samples). This helps ensure that future research into gut health gives reliable and useful information.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Montpellier

Enrolment target

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Healthy

What is this study about?

When scientists want to understand the tiny living things in your gut, called the microbiota, they often need a sample of your poo. To get accurate results, it's really important that these samples are collected and stored properly.

This study is all about finding the very best ways to do this. Think of it like baking a cake – if you don't measure the ingredients correctly or store them right, the cake might not turn out as planned. In science, if samples aren't handled well, the information gathered might not be accurate.

Researchers will be looking at different tools and methods for collecting poo samples. They want to see which ones work best compared to the current top method. By doing this, they hope to improve how we study the gut microbiota, which could help us understand more about health and disease in the future.

Key takeaways

Help improve future gut health research.
Study aims to find the best way to collect poo samples.
Participation involves home-based poo sample collection.
Generally healthy people aged 18-85 are eligible.
No medicines or invasive procedures involved.
Your contribution helps science understand the gut better.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 85 years old. You should generally be in good health and not have any known existing serious illnesses or conditions that might affect your gut.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've had certain types of surgery on your gut, or if you have inflammatory bowel disease, you wouldn't be suitable. Also, if you've taken antibiotics recently (in the last two months) or regularly use laxatives, you wouldn't be able to participate as these can affect your gut microbiota.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as anyone with serious long-term health problems like advanced cancer or severe heart, liver, or kidney issues, cannot take part. The study also cannot include individuals who are not able to give their consent or are involved in legal situations that limit their freedom.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 85 years old?
Are you generally in good health?
Have you avoided antibiotics in the last two months?
Do you not regularly use laxatives?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study involves collecting a poo sample. You won't need to visit a clinic multiple times for this study. The main part of your involvement will be using different methods to collect your own poo samples as instructed by the study team. The total duration of your participation will be short and will focus solely on the collection of these samples.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is helping scientists learn how to collect better samples for gut research, which could lead to better understanding of gut health in the future. There are very few risks involved, as the study only requires collecting poo samples, which is generally safe. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect any medical care you currently receive.

Locations (1)

CHU de Montpellier
Verified postcode
Montpellier, France

Common questions

What is 'microbiota'?

The microbiota refers to all the tiny living things, like bacteria, that live inside your gut and help you digest food and stay healthy.

Why do you need to collect poo samples?

Poo samples contain a lot of information about the tiny living things (microbiota) in your gut, which scientists study to understand health and illness.

Will I need to go to a clinic?

No, this study is primarily about collecting samples at home using different methods.

Is taking part safe?

Yes, collecting poo samples is generally very safe and doesn't involve any medical procedures or medicines.

What will happen to my samples?

Your samples will be used by scientists to compare different ways of collecting and storing them, to make sure future research is accurate.

How to find out more

Audrey GABELLE, Pr

a-gabelle@chu-montpellier.fr +33 4 67 33 60 29 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.