Test done at home
About the SIBO Test
The SIBO test is recommended if you suspect a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) occurs when there is an increase in the bacterial population in the small intestine. These bacteria produce various degradation products such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide and short-chain fatty acids, which give rise to various gastrointestinal problems.
There are different types of SIBO that you can test for, which is why it is important to know what kind of SIBO you have. Different types of SIBO require different types of treatment methods. It is common to have several different varieties, but one of them is more dominant. Our test analyses the presence of methane gas (where different bacteria and microbes create gases) and hydrogen gas (where the bacteria ferment carbohydrates and create different types of gases). These are usually seen as the most common types of SIBO.
Learn More about the SIBO test:
Below we will go deeper into the following sections:
- Symptoms of SIBO
- SIBO – How to perform the SIBO test
- Important advice before taking the SIBO test
- FAQ
- Not Sure This Test is for You?
Symptoms of SIBO
SIBO has been theorised to be a possible cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). People diagnosed with IBS can benefit from testing for SIBO as studies have shown that almost 80% of these people have an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can create problems such as:
- Flatulence
- Abdominal swelling
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
If SIBO is left untreated, it can eventually lead to more problems such as leaky gut, depression, headaches, food intolerances, acne, fatigue or autoimmune reactions.
SIBO – how to perform the SIBO Test
SIBO is a breath test and includes 15 ml of lactulose liquid. The test measures the levels of hydrogen and methane in the exhaled air on several occasions during the day after ingestion of lactulose. This will tell if there is a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. You carry out the test yourself at home and then send it to our lab for analysis.
You get the results of the test sent to you digitally, in the form of a report. This report includes recommendations on how you can proceed to treat your imbalance, in case you have a bacterial overgrowth.
Important advice before taking the SIBO Test
In order to not receive a false test result, we advise you to carefully follow the instructions given below, about what (not) to do before taking the test.
2-4 WEEKS BEFORE THE TEST:
Wait at least four weeks if you have recently undergone antibiotic treatment, colonoscopy, barium studies, barium enemas or have had diarrhoea.
7 DAYS BEFORE THE TEST:
Avoid using laxatives, laxatives and / or laxatives as well as acid scavengers containing aluminium or magnesium hydroxide.
24/48 HOURS BEFORE THE TEST:
– Stop taking probiotics 48 hours before the test.
– Foods that you CAN eat before starting your 12 hour fast: Baked or fried chicken, fish or turkey (salt and pepper only), white bread (only), plain steamed white rice, eggs, clear chicken or beef broth without vegetable pieces. Vegetarians can eat tofu with salt and pepper.
– You can only drink plain water, coffee and tea (without sugar, artificial sweeteners, milk or cream).
12 HOURS BEFORE THE TEST:
– The last 12 hours are the fasting period. Ingest NOTHING except water for 12 hours before and during the test.
– Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, do not take unnecessary medicines or supplements until the test is completed.
– Do not chew gum, do not eat sweets and do not use mouthwash until the test has been completed.
ONE HOUR BEFORE THE TEST:
– NO smoking (including passive smoking) for at least one hour before or at any time during the breath test.
– NO sleep or strenuous exercise for at least one hour before or at any time during the breath test.
– Do not use toothpaste.
FAQ
Who should test for SIBO?
People with IBS, people who have difficulty breaking down carbohydrates, those with gluten intolerance / celiac disease and people who experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, are considered suitable to test for SIBO.
However, there are other intestinal imbalances such as fungal overgrowth that can cause similar problems such as SIBO. Other gut health tests that might be of interest could be the Candida test if you also want to analyse the possible presence of yeasts, or our largest intestinal test Gut Microbiome Test XL if you are interested in doing a thorough test of your gut.
How to test for SIBO?
This test is a sibo breath test, by which you must breath through a mouthpiece into a bag, filling it slowly. You will do so multiple times. For more details, check the instructions tab.
How long does it take until I get my results?
You will receive your result digitally as soon as your blood sample has been analysed by the lab. This should take about a week.
What causes SIBO?
Several structural problems in the small intestine can hinder its ability to deal with waste and excess bacteria. SIBO can also be caused by surgery or disease, in which case the passage of food and waste is slowed down in the digestive tract. This results in a breeding ground for bacteria. An overuse of medicine can also disrupt the balance of gut flora.
How to treat SIBO?
The most common way to treat SIBO is with antibiotics, but in some severe cases surgery may be necessary. Consult with your healthcare provider about the right solution for your situation.
Not Sure This Test is for You?
If you’re still uncertain whether this test is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable customer support team. We’re here to guide you towards the tests that best match your health concerns and objectives. You can contact us through our contact page or use our live chat for immediate assistance.
Before you start, you need to register your test. Your test kit contains a sticker with your unique test ID. Register your test ID at 
Remove the test tubes from the transport containers and place them in the order in which the samples are to be taken.
The first breath test should be performed BEFORE taking the supplied solution. Take the mouthpiece in one hand with the spout facing up, and the test tube marked 1 in the other hand.
Inhale, hold your breath for 5 seconds and then exhale the air through the mouthpiece in the bag so that the bag fills slowly.
While you are still exhaling, , place the test tube with the rubber side against the extraction device while pressing lightly. A needle penetrates the rubber of the test tube. The air from the bag now dispatch. Pull the test tube out of the collection device and place it ready for dispatch.
After taking the first reference sample, you will now drink the supplied test solution. Note the time. From now on you will not be allowed to drink more water for an hour! After that, it is ok to drink plain still water.
Now take the other six breathing samples in a row after 30, 50, 70, 90, 120 and 150 minutes. Continue in the same way as for the first test. Record the times of the breathing gas samples (No. 2-7) on the test protocol.
Place the glass containers into the transport containers and then into the enclosed envelope. Seal and send the same day (preferably a Monday).
Elizabeth –
Can recommend everyone with IBS to do this test, at least it helped me.
Benjamin –
Navigating the realm of persistent digestive discomfort, it felt as if my gut had turned into an enigma. While I’ve always been health-conscious, making attempts to eat clean and stay active, this inexplicable array of symptoms — bloating, pain, irregular bowel movements — disrupted my sense of well-being. These disturbances, more than just physical, started affecting my social life and mental peace. Several online resources pointed toward a potential culprit, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a condition not previously on my radar. 🙂 The decision to use the SIBO Test was an attempt to pull back the curtain on this mystery. The arrival of the test kit was prompt, and its presentation felt professional, exuding a sense of reliability. The included guide laid out the procedure in a manner that was both clear and comprehensive. I appreciated this attention to detail, making the unfamiliar process of testing seem less daunting. When the results landed in my inbox, it was like reading a chapter from my body’s story that had remained hidden for so long. The analysis was in-depth, not merely presenting data but translating it into meaningful insights. It confirmed the presence of an overgrowth in my small intestine. More than the relief of having identified the issue, it was the depth of understanding offered by the report that stood out. It spoke of potential causes, implications, and even suggested next steps. WIth this newfound clarity, my subsequent journey involved collaborating with a healthcare practitioner, focusing on treatments specific to SIBO. The transformation, both in my symptoms and overall well-being, has been nothing short of remarkable. Reflecting back, I attribute this positive shift to the critical insights provided by the test. It wasn’t just a diagnosis; it was a blueprint for reclaiming my health. If your gut feels like an unsolved puzzle, this test could be the missing piece. 🙂
Obadiah Pembroke –
Great tool to have when you’re dealing with ongoing digestive problems. Worth the investment.
Mortimer –
The SIBO test was really easy to perform at home. Now I can take necessary dietary changes.
Leontyne –
Fantastic service, fast results. This SIBO test has changed my life for better.
Isolde Hartley –
After having long term discomfort, I took the SIBO test and found out that I had an overgrowth of bacteria in my small intestine. This finding has greatly helped me to adjust my diet and supplement routine. The kit arrived quickly, instructions were clear, and I received my results in less than a week. If you’re suspecting SIBO, I highly recommend this test.
Kevin –
For years, I endured a symphony of digestive symptoms that seemed to defy explanations. Multiple visits to physicians, a plethora of tests, and countless dietary adjustments yielded minimal relief. It was during a deep dive into health forums that I encountered discussions surrounding Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and its often-overlooked impact on health. Curious and desperate for answers, I opted for the SIBO Test.
The experience, from beginning to end, was marked by simplicity and efficiency. The kit arrived punctually, accompanied by a thorough guide that made the procedure almost effortless. The wait for results was filled with anticipation, but once they arrived, they were a revelation. The detailed analysis revealed a significant imbalance in my gut flora, indicative of SIBO. This information, more than just a diagnosis, was an invitation to understand my body better. Guided by these findings, my journey towards healing commenced. Collaborating with a specialist, I dove into targeted treatments, gradually witnessing a transformation in my symptoms and overall well-being. In retrospect, the SIBO Test was the lighthouse amidst the fog of my health challenges, directing me towards clarity and healing. If you’re lost in the sea of digestive distress, this might be the compass you need.
Jayden Mitchell –
A rollercoaster of digestive symptoms, from severe bloating to abdominal pain, left me feeling both frustrated and defeated. Several medical consultations offered temporary solutions but no concrete diagnosis. Through my own research, I stumbled upon the possibility of SIBO. The SIBO Test was a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty. From the receipt of the test kit to sending in my samples, the entire process was user-friendly. Once the results were in, the pieces of the puzzle began to fit together. The test indicated a clear bacterial imbalance in my small intestine, a hallmark of SIBO. Armed with this clarity, my interactions with healthcare professionals were more fruitful, leading to targeted treatments. The relief I’ve experienced since then has been profound. I wholeheartedly believe that this test was the catalyst for my journey towards better digestive health. 🙂
Clara Rutherford –
Quick results, clear information and excellent customer service. Couldn’t ask for a better experience. 🙂