Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when bacteria normally found in the large intestine migrate to the small intestine and begin to colonize. Hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases are produced in the digestive system primarily by the bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates (sugars, starches or vegetable fibers). The generation of H2 and/or CH4 will result in the absorption of some of these gases into the bloodstream from the site of their production, and they will appear in the expired air. Suppose either of the gases appears in the expired air. In that case, it is usually a signal that carbohydrates or carbohydrate fragments have been exposed to bacteria, permitting such fermentation to take place and SIBO can be suspected.
Studies have indicated that potentially up to 80% of patients with IBS may in fact have SIBO, which this Hydrogen /Methane breath test can easily and non-invasively help determine.
Analytes:
- Methane (CH4)
- Hydrogen (H2)
Indications
- Anemia
- Carbohydrate intolerance (Inability to tolerate sweet or starchy foods, fiber, or friendly flora supplements)
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Hypochlorhydria
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Leaky gut (Altered intestinal permeability)
- Malabsorption and maldigestion
- Malnutrition and weight loss
- Osteoporosis
- Unexplained abdominal symptoms like pain, especially gas and bloating
Specimen
Breath
Container
- Vacuum-sealed collection tubes
Patient preparation
- Requires fasting 12 hours prior to collection
- This test will take 3 hours to complete
- Preparation for the test starts 2-4 weeks before collection ( Please check sample collection instructions)
Please note this test will take 3 hours to complete.
How will the test go?
A kit will be sent to you by mail with a Test and instructions on how to perform the test yourself. Once completed, a booking can be made for DHL to collect the kit (with no additional charges), and it will be delivered to the laboratory for testing.
Average processing time:
18-21 days
What will I receive after the test has been processed?
A report will then be generated and sent via email with detailed information about the tested areas and recommended interventions. Please see HERE a sample of the report that you can browse.
What happens after I receive the results?
An appointment will be booked with the doctor to further discuss the test results. The appointment will last between 30 to 60 minutes, in which the doctor will analyze your test results and will provide insight and further advice.
*The doctor’s service — result analysis, consultation, and a treatment plan with recommendations — is booked separately.
*Please note that the treatment plan is a guidance document and does not include the treatment itself.
