How the M‑BALANCE protocol works
Designed for high-throughput laboratories, the protocol follows a fixed sequence of steps, uses standardized reagents, and applies defined quality criteria at every stage. Operators do not choose conditions or adjust parameters, so results do not depend on the person performing the test.
1
At-home sample collection
M‑BALANCE Stool Collection Kit for sample collection
2
M‑BALANCE Stool DNA Extraction Kit
M-BALANCE Stool DNA Extraction Kit
3
M‑BALANCE PCR QC KIT
M‑BALANCE PCR QC Kit for microbiome DNA quality control
4
M‑BALANCE 16S Library Prep Kit
M‑BALANCE 16S Library Prep Kit
5
Third-generation sequencing
Oxford Nanopore, PolySEQ, BGI CycloneSEQ, QiTan Tech
6
Data upload and analysis on the M‑BALANCE IT platform
Laboratory portal
7
PDF reports delivered to patients / clinics
Automated email delivery; the kit QR code serves as the sample ID
8
Optional: data sharing with researchers
Researcher portal
Reagents
IT platform
Platform access is included in the reagent cost
Automated analysis, from raw sequencing data upload to a finished PDF report
A digital biobank of 3,000+ characterized samples for reference comparisons
Each kit has a QR code that identifies the sample on the platform. Data processing is included in the reagent cost.
Two report types: individual reports for clinics and cohort summaries for research centers
Sample reports:
Clinic report
Complete taxonomic composition down to the species level
Metabolic potential: 24 metrics and
12 calculated indices
Sample profile analysis across 16 disease categories
Dietary recommendations
Report for a National Medical Research Center
Identify correlations between microbiome composition and cohort metrics
Compare a cohort with a reference group
Virtual control group drawn from reference samples in the biobank
Who it’s for
M‑BALANCE® — One standard for the entire industry
Commercial laboratories
A ready-to-run microbiome test with no in-house development required. Complete reagent kit, protocol, and analysis platform.
Genomics centers
A single reproducible protocol and automated data analysis. Process output from third-generation sequencers without building your own bioinformatics pipeline. Increase throughput and reduce manual work.
Clinics and medical centers
Add innovative metagenomic microbiome testing to your service portfolio. A partner laboratory processes the samples, and you receive a finished PDF report for each one.
Research institutes / National Medical Research Centers
Standardization strengthens the validity of conclusions: results are comparable across studies and centers. A ready foundation for building cohorts, publications, and grant proposals.
Why M–BALANCE
Science at the core
Sequencing reveals the composition of a microbial community. Standardization makes results comparable across laboratories and studies.
The microbiome: an indicator of health
The gut microbiota is linked to every organ system. The number of publications on the topic grows each year (40,000+ publications, doubling every 5 years).
Conventional methods provide an incomplete picture
Culture-based methods detect only a small fraction of species, while PCR panels are limited to dozens of markers in communities containing thousands of species. Only sequencing reveals the full composition.
NGS
A microbiome research standard recognized by the international expert community (The Lancet). Two approaches: whole-genome shotgun and 16S amplicon sequencing.
WHO (October 2025)
The need to standardize microbiome analysis for medical use is explicitly stated.
Market and regulation
Demand for microbiome analysis is growing among laboratories, clinics, and research centers. In 2026, microbiome analysis was included in Russia’s OMS system.
We are turning microbiome science into a standard of laboratory practice.
Start with a pilot
Evaluate the solution using your own equipment and samples.
01
Consultation
We discuss your needs, equipment, and sample volume, then design a pilot and assess its economics.
02
Implementation and validation
A test batch of reagents and platform access. You evaluate quality and reproducibility.
03
Regular supply
Contract, team training, and support. Supply volumes tailored to your needs.
We’ll provide demo access to our digital platform, with sample analyses and all report types.
FAQ
How is M‑BALANCE different from PCR and culture-based testing?
We sequence the full 16S rRNA gene and identify bacteria to the species level. PCR detects specific markers, while culture results depend on growth conditions. M‑BALANCE combines sequencing with standardized quality control at every stage.
What equipment is required?
What does the platform include, and how much does it cost?
What is the registration and OMS reimbursement status?
How much does it cost per sample?
How quickly can we launch the test?
Blog
Contact us
Set a new standard with us
We’ll configure the solution for your equipment and calculate the pilot economics.
Reagents. Platform. Biobank.
A no-obligation pilot.
We’ll respond within one business day.
DATA UPLOAD AND ANALYSIS ON THE M‑BALANCE IT PLATFORM