Step 1 | Read Instructions

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 your account

Step 2 | Create an Account & Source

Create an Account

Click the “Sign Up/Login” button at the upper right corner of the page at https://microsetta.ucsd.edu.

Click the blue “Sign Up” button at the right side of the page and enter in the same email that you used to receive your activation code, and choose a password before pressing the button to submit

You will need to confirm your email by clicking on the link in the confirmation that you should receive momentarily. If you do not get this email, please contact microsetta@ucsd.edu so we can assist you.

NOTE: If you have an existing account and are re-confirming your email address, the remaining steps may vary slightly, and not every step will be applicable.

Step 3 | Collect a Sample

Select your sample type to review the specific collection instructions

Fecal Sample

How to Collect a Fecal Sample

We prefer fecal samples to be shipped back within 48 hours, however, the kits have been designed to keep your sample viable for extended periods and can be stored at room temperature (does not need refrigeration).

Step 3.a

Place the collection tube in the built-in tube holder, found inside the box on the lower left-hand corner.

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Step 3.b

Open the sample swabs, and make sure to handle them at the ends of the shaft only.

Avoid touching the cotton tips.

Rub both cotton tips over the fecal specimen – ideally from a used piece of toilet paper.

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.
Correct Sample
Correct Sample

DO NOT

  • Do not provide excess material.
  • Do not collect any urine in your sample.
  • Do not fish out fecal specimens from the toilet bowl.
Incorrect Sample
Incorrect Sample

Step 3.c

After collecting the sample, place the sample swabs (cotton tips face down) into the collection tube with the preservation solution.

Step 3.d

Tighten the cap onto the tube, making sure no content can leak out.

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Step 3.e

Wash your hands.

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Step 3.f

Record your collection information on the Registration Card that was included in the step 2 pocket of your kit and keep it for your records.

NOTE THAT THIS STEP IS VERY IMPORTANT.

This card will have all of the information to assist with resolving any issues or missing information that could occur in your account. Please hold on to this card for the duration of the project.

NEXT STEP: Record your sample information

Saliva Sample

How to Collect a Saliva Sample

Note: If taking a saliva sample, swabs are not needed.

To begin cough deeply 3-5 times. Spit out the saliva generated into the sample collection tube. Continue filling the tube on top of the preservation solution. Continue spitting until the tube is approximately halfway full of saliva – bubbles don’t count!

Tighten the cap onto the tube, making sure no content can leak out.

DO NOT

Eat, drink, or chew gum for two hours before sampling.

Avoid – two hours before
Avoid – two hours before
Avoid – two hours before
Avoid – two hours before

Skin Sample

How to Collect a Skin Sample

  • Take the sample swabs out of the packet.
  • Handling both swabs, dip them into the preservation solution, and firmly rub both sides of both tips over the intended skin surface for 20 seconds.
  • Ensure that you are pressing relatively hard with the cotton tips. Good areas to take a skin sample are across the forehead or the broad palm of a hand.
  • After collecting the sample, place the sample swabs (cotton tips face down) into the collection tube. Tighten the cap onto the tube, making sure no content can leak out.

DO NOT

  • Do not wash the intended skin surface for at least two hours before sampling.
  • Do not sample near the eyes or genital area.

Note: The preservation solution contains ethanol, which may cause burning, stinging, or a cold feeling when applied to the skin.

Nasal Sample

How to Collect a Nasal Sample

If taking a nasal sample, take the swabs out of the packet. Rub both cotton tips in a circular motion around the inside of your nostril for ten seconds. Slight pressure with a finger on the outside of the nose helps to assure good contact. Make sure to saturate the tips in nasal mucus before returning them to the collection tube.

After collecting the sample, place the sample swabs (cotton tips face down) into the collection tube. Tighten the cap onto the tube, making sure no content can leak out.

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Step 4 | Record Information & Prepare Shipment

Please allow approximately 30 minutes to complete these steps

Log into your TMI account and click on the turquoise name for the source you are recording your sample information.

NOTE: If you used an Activation Code to create your account, you will need to enter the Kit ID (found on the registration card) in the open text box.

Click the blue “List Samples” button to show the available sample barcodes.

Select the barcode that matches your collection tube for the sample and click the blue “Claim Selected Samples” button.

Click on the turquoise button with the barcode matching the number on your collection tube.

Enter the approximate date and time your sample was collected. Select “stool” for the site sampled and input any notes you would like before clicking the “Update” button.

As part of the requirements for THDMI, you will need to complete the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Please ensure you give yourself at least 30 minutes to complete this survey. If you have not already completed it, you will be presented with a page where you may either select a button to take it now or a button to return to back to your samples.

If you have NOT taken the FFQ and return to the samples page the box should show your “Barcode,” “Collection Date,” and “Sample Type.” To the right of these items will be a blue box that reads “Food Frequency Questionnaire” under “Sample-specific survey.”

When you are ready to take this survey, click on the blue FFQ box to open and complete the survey. You must complete the survey by clicking the “close” button on the final page to record your answers.

Once you have completed the FFQ and return to the samples page the blue box will now be green and read “View Top Foods Report.” You may click on this to access this report for your records.

For instructions on how to translate this report, please visit https://microsetta.ucsd.edu/translate-ffq-report/

Step 5 | Return Sample

Before shipping your kit, please make sure you have removed the outer sleeve, and the return shipping label can be seen as shown in the photo below.

  • Check that the 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 and close it. If you have adhesives (such as tape), we recommend using it to seal the box tightly. The sample should be shipped back to the lab as quickly as possible, ideally within 48 hours of collection.

Once these steps are complete you may either schedule a FedEx pickup by calling 55-5228-9904 or 01-800-900-1100, or take your kit to your nearest FedEx Ship Center or drop box. Do not cover or modify the shipping label, or any other regulatory markings.

To find the closest FedEx Shipping Center, go to: https://www.fedex.com/locate

If your kit DOES NOT have a shipping label, please email: microsetta@ucsd.edu

What to do if there is a shipping delay

We prefer samples to be shipped back within 48 hours, however, the kits have been designed to keep your sample viable for extended periods. 

If you are experiencing any extended delays returning your kit, please contact us at microsetta@ucsd.edu.

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