SIBO Test (Hydrogen and Methane Breath Test)

SIBO Test Details

The SIBO test (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) often relies on a breath test, where the patient consumes a specialized sugar solution, and then hydrogen and methane levels in exhaled breath are measured at specific time intervals.
Elevated levels of these gases indicate abnormal bacterial growth in the small intestine.

What the Test Reveals:

• Diagnosis of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine
• Identification of gas type (hydrogen or methane)
• Assistance in interpreting causes of bloating and digestive disorders

Guidelines and Instructions Before Undergoing a SIBO Test

To ensure accurate results, please adhere to the following instructions:

Preparing for the Breath Test:

Two weeks before the test:

• Avoid antibiotics
• Do not use laxatives or stool softeners
• Avoid probiotics and prebiotics

24 hours before the test:

• Avoid grains, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes
• Allowed: Chicken or fish, white rice, eggs, water

On the day of the test:

• Fast for 12 hours before the examination “Water consumption is allowed”
• No smoking or chewing gum
• No exercise
• Brush teeth two hours before the examination “non-alcoholic”

Test Procedure Steps:

1. Take a baseline breath sample (Baseline)
2. Drink a specific solution depending on the type of examination
3. Collect repeated breath samples at specific times
4. Receive results immediately or after sample analysis

Conditions it helps diagnose:

• Malabsorption of fruits and their products
• Lactose intolerance (dairy products)
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
• Assistance in diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

What is the Gastrolyzer device?

• Gas
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain

Test Features:

• Fast and easy
• Painless and non-invasive
• Based on measuring hydrogen and methane gases resulting from food digestion

After the results are available:

• Diet modification
• Lifestyle changes
• Specific medications
• Or a combination of the above options