SIBO Test
Bloating and gas that won't settle? At-home breath test measuring hydrogen and methane after lactulose, analysed in an accredited AU lab. Results in 24 hours.
Product details: AUD 389 — InStock — SKU 2025 — GetTested
About this test – SIBO Test
When is this test relevant?
Bloating or a feeling of fullness after meals
Excess gas or abdominal discomfort
Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bowel habits
Symptoms commonly associated with IBS
Digestive symptoms that persist despite dietary changes
Suspected bacterial imbalance in the small intestine
How it works
Consume the provided lactulose solution
Collect breath samples at specified time intervals using the test kit
Send your samples to the laboratory using the prepaid return envelope
Your samples are analysed for hydrogen and methane gas levels
Receive your digital results within 24 hours
Key information
Sample type: Breath samples
Markers: Hydrogen and methane gases
Method: Lactulose breath test
Focus: Small intestinal bacterial activity
Turnaround time: 24 hours from when the lab receives your samples
Results: Delivered digitally
Laboratory: Accredited laboratory following relevant quality standards
Shipping: Return shipping included
Before you test
Follow the preparation instructions carefully, including dietary restrictions the day before testing, as certain foods may affect gas production.
Avoid smoking, exercise, and certain medications before and during the test period, as these may influence results.
Detailed preparation instructions are included in the kit.
Accredited Laboratory
Your samples are analysed at an accredited laboratory using validated methods for breath testing. This ensures accurate measurement of hydrogen and methane gas production over time.
Biomarkers included – SIBO Test
- Methane (CH₄): Methane breath testing is a diagnostic method that measures the amount of methane gas produced by intestinal bacteria. Methane is generated by specific gut microbes during the fermentation of certain carbohydrates. Elevated methane levels in breath tests are linked to conditions such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), fructose intolerance, and sorbitol intolerance, which can cause sy
- Hydrogen (H₂): Hydrogen breath testing is a diagnostic tool that measures the amount of hydrogen in the breath, which is produced by bacterial fermentation in the intestines. This test is commonly used to identify conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), fructose intolerance, and sorbitol intolerance. Elevated hydrogen levels suggest that undigested carbohydrates are being fermented by gut b
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂): Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is measured in a breath test mainly as a sample quality marker. It helps show whether the breath sample has been collected properly and contains enough exhaled air for reliable interpretation. CO₂ is not used as a direct marker of SIBO or intestinal fermentation in the same way as hydrogen or methane. Low or inconsistent CO₂ values may suggest that a sample is less reliable an
- Hydrogen + Methane (H₂ + CH₄): Hydrogen + Methane (H₂ + CH₄) represents the combined amount of hydrogen and methane measured in the breath during a SIBO breath test. These gases are produced when microorganisms in the gut ferment carbohydrates such as lactulose. Looking at the combined gas pattern can give a broader view of intestinal fermentation than either gas alone, especially when hydrogen is being converted into methane.
How to prepare – SIBO Test
24-hour restricted diet followed by a 12-hour fast. Avoid antibiotics and probiotics for 4 weeks and prokinetics for 1 week prior to testing.
Frequently asked questions – SIBO Test
What is the difference between Lactulose and Glucose tests?
Lactulose and glucose are both used in SIBO breath testing, but they behave differently in the body. Lactulose is not absorbed and travels through the entire small intestine, making it more effective for detecting bacterial overgrowth in both the upper and lower sections. Glucose is absorbed earlier in digestion, which means it may miss overgrowth further down the small intestine. For this reason, lactulose is often preferred when a more comprehensive assessment is needed.
Can I take this test if I am lactose intolerant?
Yes. Although the names are similar, lactulose is a synthetic sugar and does not contain dairy proteins or lactose. It is generally considered safe for individuals with lactose intolerance.
How do I prepare for the SIBO test?
Preparation requires a 24-hour restricted diet (typically consisting of white rice, eggs, and plain unseasoned meat or fish) followed by a 12-hour fast. This protocol ensures your baseline gas levels are low so that any bacterial reaction to the substrate is clearly visible and measurable.
How soon will I get my results?
GetTested offers industry-leading speed, providing your digital results through a secure online portal within 24 hours of the laboratory receiving your breath samples.
Customer reviews – SIBO Test
4.6/5 (5)
- 4/5 — Clear instructions and the turnaround time was exactly as advertised.
- 5/5 — Easy to use!
- 4/5 — The prep diet was a bit tough but the test itself was straightforward. Digital results were sent very quickly.
- 5/5 — Finally got some answers about my constant bloating! Fast results.
- 5/5 — Very efficient service.