SIBO Test

About this test – SIBO Test

Key Benefits

• 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.

• Measures Hydrogen and Methane: Assesses two key breath gases linked to intestinal fermentation and SIBO-related patterns.

• Clearer Insight Into Gas Patterns: Helps distinguish between hydrogen patterns linked to SIBO and methane patterns linked to intestinal methanogen overgrowth, also known as IMO.

• 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 whether fermentation may be occurring earlier than expected in the small intestine.

• Methane
  Methane may be produced by methane-producing microorganisms in the gut. Measuring methane alongside hydrogen gives a broader view of breath gas patterns and can help identify methane-related overgrowth patterns.

How Hydrogen and Methane Are Interpreted

Hydrogen and methane are assessed differently in SIBO breath testing.

For hydrogen-positive SIBO, the key finding is generally a rise in hydrogen (H₂) of at least 20 ppm from baseline by 90 minutes. This means the change from the starting value is assessed, not only whether a single hydrogen value is above 20 ppm.

Methane is interpreted differently. Methane positivity, often referred to as intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO), is generally assessed as methane (CH₄) of 10 ppm or higher at any point during the test. This means one methane value at or above 10 ppm may be relevant, even if later values are lower.

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

Biomarkers included – SIBO Test

• 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 – SIBO Test

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 – SIBO Test

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.

Why is there a small hole in the breath collection bag?

There is a small hole in the breath collection bag, and it is there intentionally. It allows the first part of your breath—the air from your mouth and airways—to escape, ensuring that the bag is filled with deeper air from the lungs, which is required for analysis.

When is it classified as SIBO?

Hydrogen-positive SIBO is generally assessed by looking for a rise in hydrogen (H₂) of at least 20 ppm from baseline by 90 minutes. This means that the increase from the starting value is important, not only whether a single hydrogen value is above 20 ppm. Methane is assessed differently. Methane positivity, often referred to as intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO), is generally assessed as methane (CH₄) of 10 ppm or higher at any point during the test. The first 90 minutes are especially important for hydrogen because this is the key assessment window for small intestinal fermentation. Results should always be interpreted together with symptoms, sample timing and the overall breath gas pattern.

Why are breath samples collected at different times?

Breath samples are collected at 30, 50, 70, 90, 120, and 180 minutes. This helps see how hydrogen and methane levels change as lactulose moves through your gut.

Customer reviews – SIBO Test

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!