Frequently Asked Questions

What is the microbiome?

The microbiome refers to all the organisms that live inside or on your body. These organisms comprise bacteria, fungi, viruses, protists, archaea and more. The microbiome has been shown to play a crucial role in human, having been linked to a wide variety of diseases, symptoms, digestion, fitness performance, and healthy aging. The microbiome has been described as a new and critical organ that science and medicine is still learning about.

How is Jona's microbiome profiling different from other tests?

Jona goes beyond a narrow pathogen panel like most other tests. Unlike basic PCR methods, Jona uses deep shotgun sequencing to identify, down to the strain level, all the bacteria, fungi, viruses and other organisms in your sample, usually leading to 10-20x more organisms than other tests.

How is microbiome tested and analyzed?

We use advanced shotgun metagenomics DNA sequencing of stool samples and sequence bacteria, viruses, pathogens, parasites, fungus and more.  Our proprietary AI algorithms are trained on published microbiome research to identify potential associations and actions.

What does Jona's AI technology do?

Our AI technology helps you interpret these findings by providing microbiome associations to various conditions and symptoms based on 200,000 scientific studies. Using our digital twin analysis, Jona simulates what actions your client can take to improve their signatures to those conditions and symptoms and recommends them on the report.  Jona brings all the science to your fingertips, saving you time and providing you the most comprehensive analysis.

About the Jona Process

How do I get started with offering Jona in my practice?

We are happy you want to start the journey with Jona! Fill out the interest form on the and book a call with our team to get started.

How do I order a test for my client?

You can order kits to have on hand in your practice or drop ship directly to your clients through the Jona provider portal.

How will I receive the results for my client?

  • You can invite your client through the web portal and they will receive an email stating to make a Jona account, fill out the intake, and activate their barcode. They also have to accept you in the “my providers” tab in order for them to share access to their results and you see it on your portal.
  • You can also “create a client” in your portal and fill out the intake for them, in which case the information will be directly on your portal and your client does not need to make an account.

How long does it take to receive the results?

For US clients, it usually takes 3-5 business days to receive the kit; for clients outside of the US, it takes 8-12 business days; this may vary depending on customs.

In what format will I receive the results?

Your results will be sent electronically securely to your JONA provider account. Make sure you validate your emails and spam from day 1 of your order. We also have a PDF for each report that is next to the “analysis” button and can be downloaded. There are both English and French versions.

About the Jona Test

Do you test for Hyplori and parasites?

Yes we test for H pylori and parasites. We sequence all the organisms that are in the sample. On average a typical client report may have between 300-500 different organisms.

Do you test for other metabolites?

Historically other tests use metabolites or byproducts of the microbiome to make the connection to diseases and conditions. Jona uses the microbiome pattern itself to identify those associations and not organism by products. We believe this is a more comprehensive and systematic approach to understand the connection to your client’s health.

Who is eligible for Jona's test?

Jona’s service is available for adults in the U.S. and Canada over the age of 18 years old. We do not serve residents in New York.

Jona in Your Practice

If my client is on antibiotics, how long should I wait before they take the test?

It depends on their goal. For example, if you want to know what is happening in your client’s intestinal microbiota after antibiotic treatment you should wait 3 months before testing so that their microbiota more closely resembles what it was before antibiotic therapy.

Should my client stop taking probiotics and prebiotics before taking the test?

Your client can continue their probiotics and/or prebiotics and not change their diet.

Should my client stop taking my medications and/or laxatives before using the test?

Under no circumstances should your client stop taking medications prescribed for the Jona test unless you deem it medically necessary for other reasons.

How often should my client take the Jona test?

We recommend your client to take another microbiome test every 3-6 months especially if they actively change their diet, environment, or are exposed to antibiotics. For those suffering from conditions and symptoms actively trying to improve their health, retesting after implementing their actions is important to understand how their microbiome is improving.

Can this analysis diagnose a condition?

No. The microbiome associations should not be interpreted as a diagnosis. We provide this for informational purposes only.

About the Jona Test

Does Jona sell probiotics and supplements?

No. Jona’s loyalty is solely to you and our commitment is to giving you all the latest, science-backed, information to make optimal decisions on your health. We do not recommend brands or make our own supplements or probiotics.

Is the Jona test CLIA compliant?

Yes. We process submitted samples through a CLIA-certified laboratory to provide our microbiome sequencing services.

What is the price?

The retail price is $485 for the testing, shipping, and AI-analysis. Please complete the interest form to book a call and talk to a Jona representative for more details on pricing.

Can I get a refund for the test?

Please refer to our full refund policy.

Can my client use insurance for the test?

No, however, the test is HSA/FSA eligible. Please note that some HSA/FSA benefits coordinators might deny reimbursement – so your client should consider checking first with your benefits coordinator.