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Gut Healing Education Terms of Service

Effective Date: March 15, 2026

1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Gut Healing Education. These Consumer Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your purchase and use of laboratory testing services, interpretive guides, educational materials, and related offerings made available through the Gut Healing Education platform ("Platform"), which is operated by Microbiome Consulting, LLC d/b/a Gut Healing Education ("Company," "we," "our," or "us").

These Terms apply to all consumer-facing transactions and interactions conducted through the Platform, including purchases of laboratory test kits, receipt of test results, access to interpretive guides, and use of supplement recommendation tools. General browsing of the website is governed by our separate Website Terms of Use. If you have enrolled in practitioner-focused educational programs offered by Gut Health Education, those transactions are governed by the Gut Health Education Terms of Service.

By purchasing any product or service through the Platform, creating an account, or otherwise accessing consumer services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms, together with ourPrivacy Policy, Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, each of which is incorporated by reference. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not purchase or use our services.

2. Definitions

  • "Company," "we," "our," or "us" refers to Microbiome Consulting, LLC d/b/a Gut Healing Education.
  • "You," "your," or "User" refers to any individual who purchases, accesses, or uses our consumer services through the Platform.
  • "Services" refers to all consumer-facing offerings available through the Platform, including laboratory test facilitation, interpretive guides, educational content, supplement recommendation tools, and related features.
  • "Lab Partner" refers to DHA Laboratory, the independent third-party laboratory that processes and analyzes your test sample and generates your test results.
  • "Test Kit" refers to any at-home sample collection kit ordered through the Platform and shipped to you by or on behalf of the Lab Partner.
  • "Test Results" or "Lab Results" refers to the laboratory analysis generated by the Lab Partner from your submitted sample.
  • "Interpretive Guide" refers to the educational resource provided by the Company that offers general frameworks for understanding test results, including the GHE Interpretive Guide.
  • "Sample" refers to any biological specimen (such as a stool sample) that you collect and submit to the Lab Partner for analysis.
  • "Platform" refers to the website located at guthealtheducation.com/gut-healing-education, including any associated subdomains, portals, or digital properties used by the Company to deliver consumer Services.

3. Gut Healing Education Does Not Provide Medical Services

Please read this section carefully. By using our Services, you acknowledge and agree to each of the following:

(a) No Medical Advice, Diagnosis, or Treatment. The Company is a health education and technology platform. We are not a medical provider, clinic, or laboratory. We do not offer medical advice, diagnoses, medical opinions, or treatment recommendations through our Services or otherwise. All materials, content, data, and information that the Company provides through the Platform, including the Interpretive Guide and any supplement-related information, are strictly for general educational and informational purposes.

(b) Not a Substitute for Medical Care. Our Services are not a substitute for professional medical advice, qualified medical care, or a detailed discussion with your own licensed healthcare provider. The Company strongly recommends that you consult with your own physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any health questions, concerns, or decisions, including decisions related to your Lab Results. You agree that you will not delay seeking medical care, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment based on information you receive through our Services.

(c) No Provider-Patient Relationship. Your use of the Platform and purchase of Services does not create a provider-patient relationship between you and the Company, its owners, employees, or affiliates. A provider-patient relationship is established only when you are directly treated by a licensed healthcare provider who has accepted you as a patient.

(d) Lab Results May Contain Unexpected Findings. You acknowledge that your Lab Results may contain information that is unexpected, concerning, or distressing. You accept this possibility and understand that the Company is not responsible for the clinical significance or implications of your results. If your results suggest a potentially serious condition, you should contact your healthcare provider promptly.

(e) Not Insurance. Our Services are not health insurance, do not substitute for health insurance, and do not satisfy any individual health insurance mandate under federal or state law. Amounts you pay for Services are not insurance premiums. You are solely responsible for all costs associated with your purchase.

(f) Assumption of Risk. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, you agree that you use our Services and rely on the materials, data, content, and information you receive in connection with our Services at your own risk. You are solely responsible for determining whether our Services are appropriate for your needs and for any decisions you make based on your Lab Results or the Interpretive Guide.

(g) Emergency Situations. Our Services are not intended for emergency medical purposes. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

4. How Our Services Work

(a) Service Overview. The Company facilitates consumer access to third-party laboratory testing services and provides educational tools to help you understand your results. Our Services include: (i) facilitating the ordering of Test Kits from our Lab Partner on your behalf; (ii) coordinating the delivery of your Lab Results to you; (iii) providing the Interpretive Guide as an educational companion to your results; and (iv) providing access to supplement information and affiliate purchasing links through third-party platforms such as Fullscript.

(b) Laboratory Services Are Provided by Third Parties. All laboratory analysis, sample processing, and test result generation are performed by the Lab Partner, an independent third-party laboratory. The Lab Partner sets its own pricing, protocols, quality standards, and turnaround times. The Company does not collect, store, analyze, or retain any biological samples. All samples are collected by you at home and sent directly to the Lab Partner using the materials and instructions included in your Test Kit.

(c) Ordering Process. When you complete a purchase through the Platform, our team will manually order your test from the Lab Partner on your behalf. Please allow up to 48 hours for order processing. Your Test Kit will ship directly to the address you provide at checkout within approximately 3 business days of order placement.

(d) Ordering Clinician. Laboratory tests ordered through the Platform are authorized by a licensed physician affiliated with DHA Laboratory, Inc. through its Physician Partnership Program. When you purchase a test through the Platform, our team submits a referral on your behalf to DHA Laboratory, and a DHA-affiliated physician reviews, approves, and orders the test. This ordering relationship is between you and the DHA-affiliated physician. It is limited to authorizing the laboratory test and does not include review of your results, follow-up care, or medical advice. Your purchase through the Platform does not create a provider-patient relationship between you and the ordering physician, between you and DHA Laboratory, or between you and Gut Healing Education.

(e) Results Delivery. Once your Lab Results are available, we will deliver them to you via email or through the Platform. Average processing time is 10 to 14 business days after the Lab Partner receives your sample. We do not guarantee specific turnaround times, as processing is controlled by the Lab Partner.

(f) Interpretive Guide. The Interpretive Guide is a general educational resource designed to help you understand common markers and patterns in GI-MAP test results. It provides general frameworks and information drawn from published research and clinical education resources. The Interpretive Guide does not provide individualized clinical recommendations, does not constitute a personalized treatment plan, and is not a substitute for review of your results by a licensed healthcare provider. You are solely responsible for how you interpret and act on information in the Interpretive Guide.

(g) Supplement Information. The Platform may provide general information about supplements that are commonly associated with certain gut health markers. If you choose to order supplements through our Fullscript affiliate link, you will be directed to the Fullscript platform, which operates under its own terms of service and privacy policy. Any supplement information provided through our Services is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a prescription, recommendation, or directive to purchase or consume any product. Statements regarding supplements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should consult your healthcare provider before beginning any supplement regimen.

5. Eligibility

(a) Age Requirement. Our laboratory testing Services are available only to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. By purchasing a Test Kit, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old.

(b) General Eligibility. By using our Services, you represent that you are of sound mind and body to agree to these Terms, that you have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement, and that all information you provide in connection with your purchase is truthful, accurate, and complete.

(c) Geographic Availability. Our Services are currently available only to individuals located in the United States. You are responsible for determining whether our Services are lawfully available to you in your jurisdiction.

6. Purchase Terms, Pricing, and Refund Policy

(a) Pricing. All prices displayed on the Platform are in U.S. dollars. Prices are subject to change without notice. The purchase price for laboratory testing Services includes the cost of the Test Kit, shipping, Lab Partner processing fees, and the Interpretive Guide, unless otherwise stated at checkout. Certain additional products or services, including supplements purchased through third-party platforms, may involve additional fees not included in the test purchase price.

(b) All Sales Are Final. Due to the nature of laboratory testing services, all purchases of Test Kits and related Services are final and non-refundable. Once you complete your purchase, the Company places your test order with the Lab Partner, and charges are incurred immediately on the Company's behalf. No refunds, exchanges, credits, or cancellations will be provided after purchase, regardless of whether:

  • The Test Kit has shipped but you have not yet received it;
  • You have received the Test Kit but have not yet collected your sample;
  • You have collected and submitted your sample to the Lab Partner; or
  • You have received your Lab Results.

You acknowledge that you are purchasing a service with clearly stated benefits and limitations, and you are responsible for assessing whether the Services meet your needs before completing your purchase.

(c) Chargebacks. Initiating a chargeback or payment dispute without first contacting us to resolve the issue is a violation of these Terms. If you file a chargeback, we reserve the right to revoke your access to all current and future Services and to pursue collection of unpaid amounts through a third-party agency or legal action.

(d) Taxes. You are responsible for any applicable sales tax, use tax, or other government-imposed charges in connection with your purchase.

7. Sample Collection, Submission, and Rejection

(a) Sample Collection. You are solely responsible for collecting your sample in accordance with the instructions provided in your Test Kit. Failure to follow collection instructions may result in an unusable or rejected sample.

(b) Sample Rejection. If the Lab Partner rejects your sample due to contamination, insufficient quantity, improper collection, shipping delays, or other issues, the Company will coordinate with the Lab Partner to provide you with a replacement Test Kit at no additional charge. One replacement kit will be provided per original purchase. If a second sample is also rejected, further replacements may be provided at the Company's discretion.

(c) Sample Handling. The Company does not collect, store, analyze, or retain any biological samples. All samples are shipped directly from you to the Lab Partner. Please consult the Lab Partner's terms and conditions for information regarding their collection, storage, analysis, and retention of samples.

8. Consent to Electronic Communication of Health Information

By providing your email address and purchasing laboratory testing Services, you consent to receive your Lab Results and related health information via email or other electronic means.

Important Security Notice: Email and other electronic communication methods are not fully secure or confidential. There is a risk that third parties, including individuals with access to your devices, your employer (if you use a work email or network), or internet service providers, may be able to intercept and view electronic messages containing your Lab Results. You acknowledge that you have been informed of the risks of transmitting health information by electronic means and consent to this method of delivery.

If you prefer alternative delivery methods or have concerns about electronic communication of your results, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss options before completing your purchase.

9. Account Creation and Security

(a) Account Information. To purchase Services, you may be required to provide certain personal information, including your name, email address, mailing address, date of birth, and other information necessary to facilitate your lab test order. You agree to provide truthful, accurate, and complete information and to update it promptly if it changes.

(b) Account Security. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of your account credentials. Any actions taken under your account will be attributed to you. You agree to notify us immediately at [email protected] if you suspect any unauthorized access to your account.

(c) Single User. Each account is for individual use only. You may not share your account credentials with others or allow another person to access your Lab Results or Interpretive Guide through your account.

10. Third-Party Services and Products

(a) Lab Partner. Laboratory testing is performed by DHA Laborator, an independent third-party laboratory. The Company does not control and is not responsible for the Lab Partner's testing protocols, accuracy of results, turnaround times, sample handling practices, or any other aspect of the Lab Partner's services. Your provision of a sample to the Lab Partner may be subject to the Lab Partner's own terms and conditions and privacy policy, which you should review independently.

(b) Fullscript. If you choose to purchase supplements through our Fullscript affiliate link, you will be redirected to the Fullscript platform. Fullscript operates independently under its own terms of service and privacy policy. You control what information you provide directly to Fullscript. The Company may receive a small affiliate commission on purchases made through our link at no additional cost to you.

(c) Payment Processors. We use third-party payment processors to handle transactions. These processors collect and process payment information according to their own privacy policies. The Company does not directly store your full payment card information.

(d) No Warranty of Third-Party Services. The Company makes no warranty or representation regarding the quality, accuracy, safety, availability, timeliness, or results of any third-party service or product, including laboratory testing performed by the Lab Partner, supplements available through Fullscript, or any other third-party offering. You agree that the Company is not liable for any acts, omissions, errors, or delays by any third-party provider.

11. Intellectual Property

All content and materials provided through the Platform, including the Interpretive Guide, educational materials, graphics, text, and design elements, are the intellectual property of Microbiome Consulting, LLC or its licensors and are protected by applicable intellectual property laws.

You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Interpretive Guide and related educational materials for your personal, non-commercial use only. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, sell, license, or commercially exploit any content provided through the Platform without the Company's prior written consent. You may not upload or input any portion of our content into AI tools, machine learning models, or other automated systems.

12. Privacy and Health Data

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information, including health-related data collected in connection with laboratory testing Services, is governed by our Privacy Policy and, to the extent applicable, our Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy.

Key points regarding your health data:

  • We collect and process health-related information solely to facilitate your lab test order, deliver your results, and provide educational resources.
  • We do not sell your health data for monetary gain.
  • We do not use your health data for interest-based advertising or marketing.
  • Health data is shared only with the Lab Partner (to process your test), payment processors (to complete your transaction), and as otherwise described in our Privacy Policy or as required by law.

For information regarding your rights under applicable state privacy laws, including the right to access, delete, or opt out of certain processing of your consumer health data, please review our Privacy Policy and Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy.

13. Disclaimer of Warranties

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE COMPANY PROVIDES ALL SERVICES, PRODUCTS, CONTENT, AND MATERIALS ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, RELIABILITY, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

THE COMPANY DOES NOT WARRANT THAT: (A) THE SERVICES WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR EXPECTATIONS; (B) THE SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE; (C) ANY LAB RESULTS OR CONTENT PROVIDED THROUGH THE SERVICES WILL BE ACCURATE, COMPLETE, OR RELIABLE; OR (D) ANY DEFECTS IN THE SERVICES WILL BE CORRECTED.

THE COMPANY SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY REGARDING THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE, OR RELIABILITY OF ANY LAB RESULTS DELIVERED THROUGH THE PLATFORM. LAB RESULTS ARE GENERATED BY THE LAB PARTNER, AND THE COMPANY DOES NOT INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY OR VALIDATE SUCH RESULTS.

14. Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE COMPANY AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, AFFILIATES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF INCOME, PROFITS, GOODWILL, DATA, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO: (A) YOUR USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE SERVICES; (B) ANY LAB RESULTS, CONTENT, OR INFORMATION OBTAINED THROUGH THE SERVICES; (C) ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INACCURACIES IN ANY CONTENT OR LAB RESULTS; (D) ACTIONS OR DECISIONS MADE IN RELIANCE ON THE SERVICES, THE INTERPRETIVE GUIDE, OR ANY SUPPLEMENT INFORMATION; (E) UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO OR USE OF YOUR ACCOUNT OR DATA; OR (F) THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF ANY THIRD PARTY, INCLUDING THE LAB PARTNER.

THIS LIMITATION APPLIES REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY OF LIABILITY, INCLUDING CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF THE COMPANY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

MAXIMUM LIABILITY. IF THE COMPANY IS FOUND LIABLE FOR ANY REASON, THE COMPANY'S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF: (A) THE AMOUNT YOU ACTUALLY PAID TO THE COMPANY FOR THE SPECIFIC SERVICE GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM IN THE SIX (6) MONTHS PRECEDING THE EVENT; OR (B) ONE HUNDRED U.S. DOLLARS ($100.00).

YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR DISSATISFACTION WITH THE SERVICES IS TO DISCONTINUE USE.

15. Indemnification

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Microbiome Consulting, LLC (d/b/a Gut Healing Education), its officers, directors, employees, contractors, affiliates, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to: (a) your use or misuse of the Services; (b) your breach of these Terms; (c) your violation of any applicable law or third-party right; (d) any action or decision you take based on your Lab Results, the Interpretive Guide, or any other information obtained through the Services; or (e) any information or content you submit through the Platform.

This indemnification obligation survives termination of these Terms.

16. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

(a) Informal Resolution. Before initiating any formal proceeding, you agree to contact us in writing at [email protected] and allow at least thirty (30) days to attempt to resolve the dispute informally.

(b) Binding Arbitration. If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, you agree that any claim, controversy, or dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Services, or your relationship with the Company shall be resolved exclusively through final and binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. Arbitration shall be conducted by a single neutral arbitrator in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Judgment on the arbitrator's award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

(c) Costs. Each party shall be responsible for its own legal fees and costs, and shall share equally in the fees and costs of the arbitrator and AAA, unless the arbitrator determines otherwise.

(d) Exceptions. Either party may: (i) bring an individual claim in small claims court if it qualifies; or (ii) seek equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction to prevent infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property rights.

17. Class Action Waiver

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE SHALL BE RESOLVED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS ONLY. YOU WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO BRING OR PARTICIPATE IN ANY CLASS, COLLECTIVE, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION OR ARBITRATION. UNLESS MUTUALLY AGREED IN WRITING, THE ARBITRATOR MAY NOT CONSOLIDATE MORE THAN ONE PERSON'S CLAIMS OR PRESIDE OVER ANY FORM OF CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

18. Governing Law and Venue

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to its conflict of law principles. To the extent any dispute is not subject to arbitration, you agree to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the state or federal courts located in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. You waive any defense of forum non conveniens.

19. Consent to Communications

By providing your contact information or completing a purchase, you consent to receive communications from the Company related to your purchase and use of Services, including order confirmations, results notifications, service announcements, and educational content. Communications may be delivered via email, SMS, or other electronic means.

You may opt out of marketing communications at any time by clicking "unsubscribe" in any marketing email or replying "STOP" to any SMS message. Opting out of marketing communications does not affect transactional or service-related messages necessary for the delivery of your Lab Results or other purchased Services.

Standard messaging and data rates may apply for SMS communications.

20. Modifications to Services and Terms

(a) Service Changes. We reserve the right to modify, update, or discontinue any aspect of our Services at any time, including changes to pricing, product offerings, delivery methods, Lab Partner relationships, or platform features. We are not liable to you for any such modifications.

(b) Changes to Terms. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes become effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of the Services after any modification constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically.

21. Force Majeure

The Company shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including acts of God, pandemics, governmental action, labor disputes, internet or telecommunications failures, or actions of the Lab Partner or other third parties.

22. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

23. No Waiver

No failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right under these Terms shall operate as a waiver. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the Company.

24. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, and any consent forms or agreements presented at the time of purchase, constitute the entire agreement between you and the Company with respect to the consumer Services and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements relating to such Services.

25. Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. The Company may assign its rights and obligations at any time without your consent, including in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

26. Survival

Any provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including provisions relating to intellectual property, disclaimers, limitation of liability, indemnification, dispute resolution, and governing law.

27. Contact

All questions, concerns, or notices relating to these Terms or the Services should be directed to:
Microbiome Consulting, LLC d/b/a Gut Healing Education
Email: [email protected]