SIBO Tets – SIBO Tets to Detect Bacterial Overgrowth in the Small Intestine

SIBO or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Breath Test
It is a sophisticated analysis that measures gases in exhaled air to diagnose bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
This condition may be the cause of symptoms such as chronic bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation and even a lack of absorption of vitamins.
At Val Medical Laboratories, we offer the CEBU test using the latest equipment and international standards.

What is a SIBO Test?

The Cebu analysis is based on the measurement of three essential gases in the exhaled air after ingestion of a sugar solution (lactulose or glucose):
  • Hydrogen (H₂): A rise of ≥20 ppm within 90 minutes indicates bacterial overgrowth and is often associated with diarrhea and bloating.
  • Methane (CH₄): ≥10 ppm at any given time indicates methanogen overgrowth and is commonly associated with constipation.
  • Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S): ≥3 ppm and is associated with acute diarrhea and some intestinal infections.

How is a SIBO test performed?

  1. Preparation: Follow a special diet before the test and fast for 8–12 hours to ensure accurate results.
  2. Basic sample: Collect the first exhaled sample before drinking the solution.
  3. Drink the solution: lactulose or glucose.
  4. Specimen collection: Exhale sampling every 15 minutes for two hours.
  5. Analysis: Measurement of gas ratios using advanced instruments according to North American Consensus protocols.

When is it recommended to do a SIBO test?

  1. persistent bloating or gas
  2. unexplained diarrhea or constipation
  3. Symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  4. malabsorption of vitamins and minerals
  5. unexplained weight loss

Advantages of conducting a SIBO test at Fal 

Medical Laboratories

  1. Measure three gases with high accuracy (H₂, CH₄, H₂S).
  2. Adherence to the latest international standards to ensure accurate diagnosis.
  3. Deliver results quickly with a detailed report to the doctor.
  4. Supervision of a laboratory specialized in gastrointestinal analyses.

Preparation before a SIBO test

  1. Avoid antibiotics 4 weeks before the examination.
  2. Avoid probiotics 1–2 weeks before the examination.
  3. Follow a low-fermentation diet the day before.
  4. Fasting for 8–12 hours before the examination.

Frequently Asked Questions About SIBO Testing

What is a SIBO test?

It is a breath test that measures gases produced by bacteria in the small intestine (hydrogen, methane, hydrogen sulfide) to diagnose bacterial overgrowth.

When is it recommended to do a SIBO test?
Recommended for chronic bloating, gas, unexplained diarrhea or constipation, or symptoms similar to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
How do I prepare for the examination?
You must fast for 8–12 hours before the test, avoid antibiotics and probiotics for a specified period before the test, and follow a low-fermentation diet the day before the test.
How long does a SIBO test take?
The test takes about two hours, with exhaled breath samples collected every 15 minutes after drinking the solution.
Is a SIBO test painful?
No, the test is painless because it relies on collecting samples of exhaled air only.
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