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, diarrohoea, bloating, fatigue, malabsorption of nutrients and weight loss. SIBO is also thought to be a possible factor in some cases of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
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 and 90 minute breath samples to the baseline (0 minute) sample.
Bacteria in the small intestine produce hydrogen and methane gas when exposed to glucose. SIBO is typically diagnosed if there is a rise in breath hydrogen or methane by 12ppm above the baseline.
Bacteria in the small intestine produce hydrogen and methane gas when exposed to glucose. SIBO is typically diagnosed if there is a rise in breath hydrogen or methane by 12ppm above the baseline.
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 >10ppm 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.
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.