What is the purpose of this test?
The purpose of the SIBO breath test is to evaluate for small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) by detecting both hydrogen and methane gas.
What type of test is this?
A Breath test.
Where do I find the requisition form and how do I fill out the requisition order for this test?
Your test kit will come with a SIBO Patient Record form for you to complete and send back to the lab with your kit. Please make sure to fill in information in every box that is highlighted gray, and checkmark the bottom box if you experienced any vomiting as well as the time of the vomiting
How do I prepare in terms of diet, supplements, and medications?
Breath testing is the most common testing method for SIBO. It’s non-invasive, safe, easy to perform from home, and relatively inexpensive.
The breath test is effective since bacteria metabolize carbohydrates, including lactulose and glucose, resulting in the production of hydrogen and methane gas, which can be measured.
NOTE: For people who are lactose intolerant, the lactulose sometimes (but not always) will cause GI discomfort like gas, bloating, etc. We advise against doing the test if you have a true lactose allergy. But if you are willing to put up with discomfort, it is possible to do the test with lactose intolerance. You might try taking some digestive enzymes with lactase in them after the test is complete. If you prefer not to take the test, please let us know so we can order an alternate test for you.
TEST PREPARATION:
Specific preparation instructions are provided with each kit. If in doubt, refer to the test kit’s specific instructions or send an email to: hello@flourishclinic.com
The following are general guidelines:
- Do Not take a breath test within two weeks of atypical diarrhea, antimicrobial medications or supplements, colonoscopy, or barium enema.
- Avoid all laxatives and high-dose vitamin C for four days prior.
- One to two days before: Avoid high-fiber and lactose-containing foods, condiments, spices, and herbs. Eat meat, fish, poultry, plain and steamed jasmine rice, eggs, clear meat broth (no bone broth), small amounts of fats and oils, salt and pepper, and weak black coffee and tea.
- Twenty-four hours before: Stop all non-essential medications.
- Twelve hours before: Avoid all food and drink except water.
- Day of test: Wake at least one-hour prior to test. No smoking or vigorous exercise one hour before collection.
The following list of foods contains the ONLYacceptable foods for the preparatory diet. If a food is not on this list, DO NOT eat it:
- Any meat, fish/seafood, poultry
- Plain, steamed jasmine white rice (if you are on a grain-free diet, please do not consume rice)
- Eggs
- Clear meat broth (no bouillon, bone/cartilage, or vegetable broth)
- Fats/oils (for example, coconut/olive/vegetable oil, butter, or lard)
- Salt and pepper
- Weak black coffee and/or weak black tea (plain, no sweeteners or cream), NO green tea or herbal teas
PROCEDURE:
- Collect baseline sample
- Drink the substrate, either 50g of glucose or 10g of lactulose mixed in 120-200 milliliters of water
- Pediatric dose is 1g lactulose per kg body weight for max of 10g
- Breath samples are then collected at specific time intervals for two to three hours, depending on the specific test used
Is the timing of this test important?
Do not do this test while you have an acute infectious illness. Keep in mind that the test takes three hours to perform.
For best results, the lab should receive your sample(s) within 48 hours of shipping it. This means you should ship on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday AM (latest) in order to ensure delivery by Friday.
** The lab does not receive or process samples on the weekend**
Shipping your Test Kit
Please note that this Test kit does not come with prepaid shipping from Sage Clinic.
When you arrive at your preferred shipping agent (FedEx, UPS, Canada Post etc.) inquire with the selected shipping company on the right packaging, forms, etc.
Ensure that your package has a tracking number. Cost to ship is approximately between the amounts of $50-80 depending on whom you choose.
Ensure your sample is shipped within 72 hours of taking your test
When will I see the results?
Results are generally sent to us (at Flourish) within two weeks after the lab receives the kit back from you. Your clinician will review the results and then notify you.
