Breath Testing Options
SIBO Basic Breath Test Kit - Lactulose
Lactulose breath testing is used exclusively to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth by SIBO expert, Dr. Mark Pimental, MD. Studies using lactulose have detected SIBO in 84% of IBS patients tested.
SIBO Advanced Breath Test Kit - Lactulose & Glucose
Testing with glucose alone can miss detection of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, but when used with lactulose, glucose can add greater confirmation for a more certain diagnosis.
SIBO Comprehensive Breath Test Kit - Lactulose, Glucose & Fructose
This test leaves no stone unturned and provides the greatest chance of detecting small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Also, this test reveals if fructose needs to be avoided on the SIBO diet.
Methane Spot Test
This single-sample breath test can help practitioners detect the presence of methane in constipated patients to guide further testing and treatment.
Fructose Malabsorption
Fructose only. This test determines whether digestive problems may be due to difficulty absorbing fructose, a simple sugar present in many foods.
Fructose Advanced
Lactulose and Fructose. Some practitioners prefer using fructose instead of glucose as an indicator of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.
Watch How to Collect Your Breath Sample
All of our SIBO breath tests use only genuine QuinTron testing kits and evaluate samples with QuinTron BreathTracker technology - the gold standard for SIBO testing.
How to Prepare for your Breath Test
One Month Prior
You must wait at least one month after a colonoscopy, barium study, colonic, or taking antibiotics to perform the breath test. The only exception is if retesting after antibiotic treatment for SIBO.
One Week Prior
Stop taking probiotics, probiotic foods (yoghurt, kefir, etc.), and herbal antimicrobials at least one week before testing.
24 Hours Prior
Stop taking laxatives and digestive aids (enzymes, hydrochloric acid, etc.) 24 hours before testing. Only take essential supplements and follow the guidelines for the preparation diet.
12 Hours Prior
You must fast for 12 hours before beginning the breath test sample collection. Only water is allowed during this time. Download the instruction guide below for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does breath testing work?
- The breath test is a simple, non-invasive test. After a 24-hour preparatory diet, the substrate (lactulose, glucose, or fructose) is swallowed. These substances are not absorbed and therefore act as a food source for bacteria in the small intestine. The bacteria ferment the test substance and produce hydrogen and/or methane. These are diffused into the bloodstream and exhaled via the breath. Breath samples are measured for hydrogen and methane to determine if there is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
- How reliable are SIBO Test breath tests?
- Breath testing for SIBO is the widely used test to diagnose SIBO because of its convenience and low cost. The more substrates you test with, the more reliable your results will be. At SIBO Test, we comply with the highest standards of analytical excellence. Our extensive quality control includes carbon dioxide measurements to assure an acceptable alveolar air sample and frequent calibration of testing machines. We use only genuine QuinTron test kits and QuinTron BreathTracker technology, which is considered the gold standard for SIBO testing.
- Why should I test instead of just treat for SIBO?
- Treating for SIBO without testing could cost you time and money on unnecessary supplements, medications, and strict dietary protocols. Testing is the only way to know if you truly have SIBO and what therapies are appropriate. Testing is also helpful to identify whether or not SIBO has been eradicated after treatment to determine the best next steps.
- Do I need a practitioner to order a breath test?
- Practitioner pre-approval is not required for SIBO breath tests ordered within Australia. However, we strongly recommend that you work with a practitioner to interpret your results and determine a plan of action. If you are a patient and choose to order a test kit directly from our website without practitioner pre-approval, you will be given the option to name your practitioner so that they will receive your test results.
- What is the best test kit to order?
- SIBO BASIC is a single test using lactulose as the substrate. This test is widely used in the United States to diagnose SIBO and is used as a stand-alone test by leading excerpt, Dr. Mark Pimental, of Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. If opting for a single substrate, lactulose is the best option. Testing with glucose and/or fructose in addition to lactulose will cast a larger net and increase the chances of detecting SIBO if it exists. To be most certain that you do not miss the diagnosis of SIBO, the SIBO COMPREHENSIVE test kit is best. If choosing this kit, please be aware that you will need to collect samples on 3 different days for each of the 3 different substrates.
- What do I need to do to prepare for the test?
- There are some medical procedures and medications that must be avoided for one month before testing and additional foods and supplements that must be avoided for one week before testing. Please read the Preparation Guide to be sure you are prepared.
- When will I get my results?
- Results will be delivered to your practitioner (in the SIBO Test practitioner portal) within 48 hours of us receiving your sample at the lab.
- I am doing more than one test: lactulose, glucose and fructose. Can I do the tests separately (eg a week apart) or should they be done on consecutive days?
- Yes, you can do the testing in this way, although it’s a lot easier to do on consecutive days due to the diet preparation. If you do complete the tests separately, please return tests within 3 days of completion.
- What order should I do the tests if I am doing multiple tests?
- Glucose, Lactulose, and then Fructose. Resume prep diet after each test, fast for 12 hours overnight and complete the next test the next morning. Do not complete them on the same day.
- On the prep diet, can I season the broths with vegetables and strain them?
- No. No vegetables are allowed. No stock powder. Only real meat can be used to make soup/broth.
- On the prep diet, can I use olive oil or any oil in cooking?
- A small amount of oil for cooking is allowed.
- Some of the tubes look funny. Is this normal?
- During the manufacturing process the tubes are punctured in order to remove the air inside to create a vacuum. Sometimes you can see this puncture mark, and sometimes you cannot. In addition, the rubber stopper on some of the tubes may appear concave, while appearing convex on others. This too is a normal part of the manufacturing process.
- Am I supposed to remove the grey rubber cover from the needle on the collection device?
- This rubber sheath provides an additional seal against the rubber stopper of the test tube. Please do not remove it.
- There are holes in my blue collection bag. Should I seal them with tape?
- These holes are designed to vent the initial portion of your breath. Covering these holes may actually dilute your samples.
- Should I be able to see my breath inside of the tube?
- You will not be able to see the air go into the tube, nor will you see any condensation.
- Does my test kit expire?
- Yes. Please check the expiration date located on the side of the test kit box
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