Description
This is a hydrogen and methane breath test to identify small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). This is an often overlooked factor in persistent IBS.
Breath tests can be helpful in the evaluation of bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and malabsorption. These tests are safe alternatives to more invasive procedures such as biopsy.
This test is sold for self-administering at home and returning the sample by post.
For the breath test you are given a solution to drink with 200 ml of water; breath samples are collected at baseline and then every 20 minutes for 3 hours (a total of 10 samples).
Home collection breath tubes are stable for at least 14 days after collection. Return by post to the lab for analysis.
You should not have eaten slowly digesting foods such as beans and bran on the day before the test and should have fasted for 14 hours prior to the test, with only water to drink. Vigorous exercise, smoking or sleeping should be avoided immediately before, or at any time during the test.
