The large intestine is packed with bacteria, whilst the small intestine typically contains very few bacteria. If the small intestine becomes overgrown with bacteria it can lead to malabsorption of key nutrients, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, fatigue, malabsorption of nutrients and weight loss. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is also thought to be a possible factor in some cases of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
What we test
Glucose Breath Test
Bacteria in the small intestine produce hydrogen and methane gas when exposed to glucose. This test compares the hydrogen and methane levels in the 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minute breath samples to the baseline (0 minute) sample.
Bacteria in the small intestine produce hydrogen and methane when exposed to glucose. SIBO may be diagnosed with a rise in breath hydrogen of >20ppm in the first 90 minutes.
Bacteria in the small intestine produce hydrogen and methane gas when exposed to glucose. SIBO may be diagnosed with a rise in breath methane of >10ppm above the baseline.
SIBO Lactulose Breath Test
The lactulose test is used to measure oro-caecal transit time (OCTT) - this is the time interval between ingestion of lactulose and rise in breath hydrogen. Prolonged OCTT has been associated with SIBO.
Bacteria in the small intestine produce hydrogen and methane gas when exposed to lactulose. Hydrogen excretion is indicated by >20ppm sustained rise upon lactulose challenge.
Bacteria in the small intestine produce hydrogen and methane gas when exposed to lactulose. Methane excretion is indicated by >10ppm sustained rise upon lactulose challenge.
Normal OCTT (the time it takes for lactulose to pass through the gut) in healthy adults is approx 60-120min.
Test instructions
Your test kit and all instructions are posted directly to you, and there is no need to visit a collection centre.
Mail your sample back to the lab using the prepaid envelope and packaging.
You may also be interested in
Coeliac Check
Helicobacter Pylori Check
Microbiome Check
