What does it mean if my sample(s) are re-processing or re-sequencing?

If your sample is taking more than four weeks to process, it may be undergoing re-processing or re-sequencing, and vivaLAB will contact you via email to inform you of any delay. There are no actions that you need to take aside from waiting. If there are any problems with your sample(s) or test kit, vivaLAB will contact you with next steps. 

An overview of what happens when your sample arrives at vivaLAB's testing facilities: 

1. Your stool and urine sample(s) are divided into two separate vials called aliquots; 
2. A stool aliquot goes into sample preparation and DNA sequencing whilst your urine aliquot precedes directly to metabolite analysis; 
3. Extra aliquots are placed into cold storage for use if there are any problems with the first aliquot. This is to ensure your sample(s) are processed to exact quality standards. 

vivaLAB requires a minimum amount of DNA yield, genes, and/or other sequencing data (depending on the sample type) to perform analysis from the stool sample. Sometimes, one aliquot of a sample may not produce enough data for vivaLAB's test facility to perform analysis. If that happens, the extra aliquots from cold storage are used for reprocessing or re-sequencing. 

Reprocessing and re-sequencing a stool sample can add an additional two weeks to normal processing times; however, if the backup aliquot processes without problems, it will save you from having to collect new sample(s) for processing. If the backup aliquots still do not provide enough sample data or fails for any other reason, vivaLAB will contact you to collect new sample(s). This will be in the form of ordering a complimentary (no fee) replacement test kit.