SIBO Test

About this test

Key Benefits

Gain insight into whether SIBO may be a possible factor behind recurring digestive symptoms.

• At Home Breath Testing: Collect breath samples at home using the included test kit.

• Relevant for IBS Like Symptoms: May be useful when bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, constipation or changing bowel habits are difficult to explain.

• Prepaid Return Materials Included: Send your samples back to the laboratory using the included return materials.

• Digital Results in 10 to 15 business days: Receive your results digitally after laboratory analysis.

What This Test Measures

This test measures two breath gases before and after lactulose intake:

• Hydrogen
  Hydrogen may increase when bacteria ferment lactulose in the gut. The timing and pattern of hydrogen changes can provide insight into intestinal fermentation.

• Methane
  Methane may be produced by methane producing microorganisms in the gut. Measuring methane alongside hydrogen gives a broader view of breath gas patterns.

How It Works

1. Order Your Kit
Purchase your test online.

2. Prepare Before Testing
Follow the preparation instructions carefully before collecting your breath samples.

3. Collect Your Samples
Collect breath samples at home before and after drinking the included lactulose solution.

4. Send It Back
Mail your samples to the laboratory using the provided return materials.

5. Receive Your Results
Access your digital results in 10 to 15 business days after laboratory analysis.

Sample Collection

The sample is collected using a breath test at home. You collect multiple breath samples at specific time points before and after drinking the included lactulose solution.

The test kit includes glass collection tubes for the breath samples. These are returned to the laboratory for analysis.

Accredited Lab and Analysis

Your samples are analyzed in an accredited laboratory using GC (Gas Chromatography), a method used to measure breath gases with high precision.

Biomarkers included

• Methane (CH₄): Methane breath testing is a diagnostic method that measures the amount of methane gas produced by intestinal bacteria. Methane is generated by specific gut microbes during the fermentation of certain carbohydrates. Elevated methane levels in breath tests are linked to conditions such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), fructose intolerance, and sorbitol intolerance, which can cause sy
• Hydrogen (H₂): Hydrogen breath testing is a diagnostic tool that measures the amount of hydrogen in the breath, which is produced by bacterial fermentation in the intestines. This test is commonly used to identify conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), fructose intolerance, and sorbitol intolerance. Elevated hydrogen levels suggest that undigested carbohydrates are being fermented by gut b

How to prepare

The SIBO Test requires careful preparation because **diet, medication, supplements, bowel activity and sample timing** can affect breath gas results. Follow the included instructions closely before collecting your breath samples. **4 weeks before testing** Avoid **antibiotics** and colonoscopy. **2 weeks before testing** Avoid testing after **severe diarrhoea** or enemas. Avoid **proton pump inhibitors** and oral X ray contrast according to the included instructions. **1 week before testing, or at least 3 days if not possible** Avoid **probiotics, laxatives, prokinetics** and supplements containing fermentable sugars or fibres. This includes products containing **inulin, oligosaccharides, fructose, sorbitol, xylitol, honey** or large amounts of lactose. **3 days before testing** Avoid medicines that inhibit or promote digestion, according to the included instructions. **2 days before testing** Eat only **simple foods with low sugar and low fibre content**. **24 hours before testing** Follow the restricted diet in the instructions. This includes selected foods such as **white rice, potatoes without skin, eggs, poultry, fish, clear meat broth, selected fats or oils, still water, weak black coffee or weak tea**. Avoid alcohol. **8 to 12 hours before testing** Fast before the test. Only **still water** is allowed. Avoid unnecessary medication, chewing gum and mouthwash. **2 hours before and during testing** Avoid **smoking, exercise, sleep and toothpaste**. If possible, avoid asthma inhalers during this period. The first breath sample is collected before drinking the lactulose solution. Additional samples are then collected at the specified time points in the instructions. The completed samples should be sent the **same day**, preferably on a **Monday or Tuesday**.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the SIBO Test use lactulose?

Lactulose is used to assess how gases change over time after intake. If bacteria ferment lactulose earlier than expected, this may provide information relevant to SIBO assessment.

Can SIBO symptoms look like IBS?

Yes. SIBO symptoms can overlap with IBS like symptoms, including bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, constipation and changing bowel habits. A breath test may be useful when SIBO is being considered as part of a broader digestive assessment.

Why is preparation important before testing?

Diet, antibiotics, probiotics, laxatives, certain supplements, digestive medicines and sample timing can affect breath gas results. Following the preparation instructions helps reduce factors that may interfere with the test.

How long does sample collection take?

The test includes one baseline breath sample before drinking the lactulose solution, followed by additional breath samples collected at specific time points according to the included instructions.

How is SIBO different from sorbitol intolerance?

Both tests measure hydrogen and methane, but they use different test substances and answer different questions. The SIBO Test uses lactulose to assess fermentation patterns linked to possible bacterial overgrowth, while the Sorbitol Intolerance Test uses sorbitol to assess poor sorbitol absorption.

Customer reviews

4.6/5 (5)

• 5/5 — Easy to follow instructions and great support.
• 5/5 — Took about two weeks for the results as advertised. Efficient process overall.
• 4/5 — A bit pricey, but worth it to confirm my methane levels for my doctor. Simple collection process.
• 4/5 — The prep diet is definitely a bit of a grind, but the instructions were very clear and the kit was simple to use.
• 5/5 — Finally got some answers for my constant bloating!