Stool Donation Eligibility Requirements and Limits
Quick Answer
Stool donation has the most selective eligibility requirements of any biological donation type, with 97-99% of applicants rejected. Donors must pass extensive microbiome testing, have no history of GI disorders, meet strict dietary and medication restrictions, and live within 30-45 minutes of a collection facility. Qualified donors can donate daily, but must maintain rigorous health and dietary standards throughout their participation period.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Age and General Health
Most stool donation programs accept donors aged 18-50, with preference for those under 40. Donors must be in excellent overall health with no chronic conditions affecting digestion, immunity, or metabolism. BMI requirements typically range from 18.5-30. The ideal candidate has never taken antibiotics frequently and has diverse dietary habits.
Microbiome Quality
The primary qualification factor is microbiome composition—the specific bacteria, diversity, and balance in your gut. This is largely determined by factors outside your control: early life exposures, genetics, lifetime antibiotic exposure, and environmental factors. Testing reveals whether your microbiome meets the specific criteria programs seek for therapeutic use.
Geographic Proximity
Stool samples must be delivered fresh, typically within 1-2 hours of production. This requires living very close to an active collection facility. Programs operate from limited locations, primarily in major metropolitan areas. Unlike other donation types, remote participation is not possible.
Schedule Flexibility
Successful donors maintain consistent morning routines, producing and delivering samples at regular times. Programs typically require donations during specific morning hours. Unpredictable schedules or inability to donate at consistent times makes participation impractical.
Donation Frequency and Restrictions
Daily Donation Potential
Unlike other donation types with mandatory waiting periods, stool donation programs accept daily samples. This high frequency is possible because donation does not deplete any bodily resources. Maximum earning potential requires daily consistency, though most donors average 4-5 donations per week due to natural variation.
Ongoing Health Requirements
Qualification is not permanent. Donors undergo periodic retesting and can be disqualified if microbiome composition changes. Any illness, medication use, or dietary deviation can result in temporary or permanent removal from the program. Maintaining donor status requires ongoing vigilance.
| Requirement | Typical Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 1-3% | Highly selective |
| Age | 18-50 years | Preference for under 40 |
| BMI | 18.5-30 | Healthy weight range |
| Distance to facility | 30-45 min max | Fresh sample required |
| Donation frequency | Daily possible | No mandatory gaps |
Disqualifying Factors
Medical History Exclusions
- History of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Autoimmune conditions
- Metabolic disorders including diabetes
- Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety) in some programs
- History of frequent antibiotic use
- Cancer history
Medication and Supplement Restrictions
- Antibiotics: Any use results in 3-6 month suspension or permanent disqualification
- Proton pump inhibitors: Generally excluded
- Immunosuppressants: Excluded
- Probiotics: Often restricted or monitored
- Prescription medications: Most require evaluation and may exclude
Lifestyle Exclusions
- Recent international travel to certain regions
- High-risk sexual behaviors
- Recreational drug use
- Tattoos or piercings within specified timeframes
- Diets considered extreme (strict keto, raw food only, etc.)
Common Mistakes About Stool Donation Eligibility
Assuming Good Health Equals Qualification
Feeling healthy does not predict microbiome qualification. Many physically fit individuals with excellent health habits have microbiomes that do not meet program criteria. The specific bacterial composition matters more than general wellness.
Believing You Can Improve Your Microbiome to Qualify
While diet affects microbiome composition, the fundamental characteristics that programs seek are largely established early in life. Short-term dietary changes or probiotic supplements typically do not transform a non-qualifying microbiome into one that meets criteria.
Underestimating Geographic Constraints
The fresh sample requirement is non-negotiable. If you do not already live within 30-45 minutes of an active facility, participation is not practical. Moving to qualify rarely makes financial sense given the limited number of collection locations.
Expecting Quick Screening Results
The screening process takes 4-8 weeks involving multiple questionnaires, blood tests, stool sample analysis, and medical review. Many applicants are rejected at various stages. Plan for rejection as the most likely outcome.
Next Steps Based on Your Donation Estimate
- Track visits: Log dates, bonuses, and payouts.
- Prepare properly: Hydration and nutrition reduce deferrals.
- Understand payouts: Fees and timing affect take-home pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the rejection rate so high?
Stool samples are used directly in medical treatments (fecal microbiota transplants), requiring exceptionally safe, diverse, and specific microbiomes. Programs test for hundreds of pathogens, assess bacterial diversity, and evaluate composition patterns. Most people's microbiomes simply do not match the therapeutic profile needed.
What happens if I take antibiotics while enrolled?
Antibiotic use typically results in immediate suspension for 3-6 months while your microbiome recovers. Some programs require complete re-screening after antibiotic exposure. Frequent antibiotic needs may result in permanent removal from the program.
Can vegetarians or vegans qualify?
Dietary preferences do not automatically qualify or disqualify candidates. Vegetarian and vegan microbiomes may differ from omnivore microbiomes, which could be beneficial, neutral, or disqualifying depending on the specific program's needs. Apply and let testing determine eligibility.
How do I find out if there is a facility near me?
Major stool banking programs like GoodNature operate collection sites in select cities. Check program websites directly for current facility locations. New facilities open occasionally, but the network remains limited to major metropolitan areas.
Is there any way to predict if I will qualify?
No reliable self-assessment predicts qualification. Factors that correlate with qualifying microbiomes—vaginal birth, breastfeeding as an infant, rural childhood, limited lifetime antibiotic exposure—are not controllable. The only way to know is to complete the screening process.
Calculate Your Potential Earnings
If you qualify as a stool donor, estimate your potential compensation.
Use Stool Donation Calculator