Microbial Organic Acids Test (MOAT) - Urine

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Category:

Turnaround Time: 1 - 2 weeks
CPT Code: 82570, 83921*20
Test Type: Kit Based, Urine
Stability Time:

7 days refrigerated and 6 months frozen

Overview:

Organic acids are substances that result from the metabolic processes in your body. Analyzing these metabolites from different metabolic pathways can immediately provide insight into important areas related to gut health. The Microbial Organic Acids Test (MOAT), included in the Organic Acids Test (OAT), specifically measures the metabolites produced by yeast and bacteria. Elevated values in the MOAT may indicate yeast or bacterial dysbiosis. The MOAT is particularly useful as a follow-up to the OAT and may be recommended by practitioners looking for a specific abnormality, to monitor certain microbial balances, or to assess treatment efficacy. However, we strongly recommend that the full OAT be performed as the initial screening test. Why Use the Microbial Organic Acids Test (MOAT)? The MOAT is a convenient and effective way to evaluate a patient?s gut health by analyzing 21 organic acids present in a single urine sample. These organic acids are metabolic byproducts that can help healthcare providers detect imbalances in gut health, including harmful bacteria, beneficial bacteria, Clostridia species, Candida species, yeast and fungal metabolites, and general markers of dysbiosis that may be impacting the patient?s overall health. The MOAT is particularly useful for individuals experiencing chronic health issues that may be related to gut imbalances. Healthcare practitioners can use the MOAT to identify specific abnormalities, monitor microbial balances, or assess treatment efficacy. However, the full OAT is recommended as the initial screening test.

Collection Details:

Patient Preparation:

Wait 48 hour after completing a course of antibiotics before collection. Avoid the following foods for 48 hours prior to collecting your specimen as they may interfere with the test outcome. Important: Do not discontinue any medications or supplements without first consulting your healthcare practitioner. Apples, apple juice and products Grapes, grape juice and products (including raisins) Pears, pear juice and products Cranberries, cranberry juice and products Reishi Mushrooms or Echinacea Arabinogalactan or Ribose Supplements

Collection Instructions:

Preparing For Your Test ? Plan now to collect your sample first thing in the morning, and early in the week. For US collections, collect your ?first morning sample? on a Monday-Thursday morning. Outside the US, the sample should be collected on Monday or Tuesday to allow extra time for shipping. ? Collect your first urine specimen in the morning before eating or drinking. This is the most concentrated collection. ? Avoid contamination of samples with blood or while menstruating as this may interfere with test results. Wait until the following week. ? Place the Collection Cup and these instructions in the bathroom where you plan to collect the samples in the morning. Set the rest of the contents aside. ? Place the ice pack flat in your freezer, so it will be ready to ship with your specimen. ? Pediatric collection bags are available upon request for children not potty trained to aid with collection. Collection Day Instructions: ?Look at the volume markings on the side of the collection cup. You will need a minimum of 10 mL for each test on the order. ?Verify how many tests have been ordered, so you know how much sample to collect. ?Collect your first morning urine sample in the provided collection cup. DO NOT eat or drink prior to collecting your sample. Please collect at least the minimum amount of urine required for the number. of tests on your order. Collecting more than the minimum is recommended, but not required. Pour off anything above 50 mL indicator line to prevent leaking once frozen. ?Locate and complete the barcode sheet in your test kit. Place one barcode sticker on each collection sample. Be sure that the information is legible and includes the collection date, time, and that the name matches what was provided on the test order. After You Collect: ? Fill any other vials that have been included for other urine tests. Follow the instructions in those test kits for collections.? Place the lid on the collection cup and seal tightly. ? Ensure each sample has the completed barcode sticker. ? Place the collection cup in your freezer for at least four hours or until frozen (30 days maximum). Check the box on the barcode label to indicate that the sample has been frozen. ? Ensure all samples are labeled. Unlabeled samples will be rejected. Packaging the shipment: ?Retrieve the packaging material you set aside. Locate the clear biohazard zip-lock bag, silver thermo bag, and absorbent packing sheet. ?Remove the frozen collection cup, frozen ice pack, and any vials for other urine tests from the freezer and check caps for tightness. ?Place all frozen specimens and absorbent packing sheet in the biohazard zip-lock bag and seal. ?Place the sealed biohazard zip-lock bag into the silver thermo bag along with the frozen ice pack. ?Place the filled silver thermo bag into the box. If using the Test Requisition Form, also place in box. Close the lid. Locate the shipping instruction card included in your test kit for details on how to ship your collection(s)