SIBO Test

The SIBO Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO), conditions characterized by excessive bacteria or archaea in the small intestine, which can cause bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation and nutrient deficiencies.

The test involves drinking either a glucose or a lactulose solution, a non-absorbable sugar fermented by intestinal bacteria. As fermentation occurs, it produces hydrogen and methane gases. Over two to three hours, breath samples are collected at regular intervals and analyzed for these gases:
• Hydrogen: High levels may indicate hydrogen-producing bacteria, suggesting poor sugar digestion.
• Methane: Elevated levels are often linked to constipation-related symptoms and methane-producing bacteria.

The timing and quantity of gas production, particularly within the first two hours, help determine if SIBO is present. This non-invasive test provides valuable insights into whether bacterial overgrowth may be contributing to symptoms.