Each collection kit contains the following:

Please read all of the instructions before collecting a sample. Click on any image to see a larger version. If you have any questions, please email: microsetta@ucsd.edu

NEXT STEP: Create account

• In your account, select the ‘My Nutrition’ tab.  
• Enter the registration code you received via email. 

Once you have taken the FFQ, you can view your ‘Top Food Report’.

Please proceed to the next step if you have received your kit. 

NEXT STEP: Register kit

Once you are ready to swab the fecal sample, take out the sampling swab. Make sure to handle it at the ends of the shaft only. Avoid touching the cotton tip. 

• Rub the cotton tip over the fecal specimen that is on the used piece of toilet paper. 
• The toilet paper may be disposed of after this step.

DO

• Saturate at least half of the cotton tips. Do not oversaturate the sample.
• If you have a hard specimen, rub enough on both sides of the cotton tips to get a light smear.

DO NOT

• Do not provide insufficient material; the swab must show a visible smear.
  
• Do not provide excess material. 
• Do not collect any urine in your sample. 
• Do not fish out fecal specimens from the toilet bowl. 

• Place sampling swab, cotton tip pointing down, into the collection tube with the preservation solution. 
• Carefully take the collection tube out of the holder.
• At the notched break off point (just above the swab tip), snap the plastic shaft against the inside of the collection tube, leaving only the cotton tip inside.
• Tighten the cap onto the collection tube, making sure no contents can leak out. Ensure that the cotton tip is fully submerged in the preservation liquid by gently tapping the collection tube. 

If the cotton tip is not submerged because spillage of the preservation liquid has occurred, please email us at microsetta@ucsd.edu so we can assist you.

• Wash hands. 

On the information card, verify the sample type taken. Record the following:

• Barcode ID (found on the collection tube)
• Collection date
• Collection time.  

Then, log in to your account at microsetta-rest.ucsd.edu 

On the ‘My Kits’ page, select the matching barcode ID to add the sample information. Keep the information card for your records. 

Please note: We can only process samples if you have completed the consent forms and provided the sample information online. Samples should only be returned after completing these steps in your online account.

• Check that the collection tube is tightly closed and does not leak. 
• Place the collection tube into the safety bag provided and seal it. 
• Place the safety bag into the cardboard shipping box you received (do not use the outer sleeve), and close it. 

We recommend sealing the box tightly with tape before shipping. The sample should be shipped back to the lab as quickly as possible, ideally within 48 hours of collection. 

 WARNING: 

CONTAINS ETHANOL

Highly flammable liquid; keep away from sparks and open flame. Contact can cause skin irritation and serious eye irritation. If in eyes, rinse for several minutes with water. If on skin, rinse with water. In case of accidental spillage, wipe up with absorbent material. Use in a well-ventilated area. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. 

CHOKING HAZARD 

Kit contains small parts; adult supervision is required. 

The Microsetta Initiative is a research effort that produces open-access data to share with the research community and the public after removing any directly identifying information. The results you receive in exchange for participation are not for medical diagnosis or advice. We do not offer medical recommendations or clinical services. 

The Microsetta Initiative complies with UC San Diego’s privacy policy and ethical regulations to ensure that your data are protected. 

FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES. 

Visit microsetta-rest.ucsd.edu to create your account and fill in your profile information. If you already have an account and profile, please update your information as needed. 

• In your account, select the ‘My Nutrition’ tab.  
• Enter the registration code you received via email. 

Once you have taken the FFQ, you can view your ‘Top Food Report’.