While aspiration of small bowel fluid (followed by culture and bacterial count) is considered to be the current gold standard for diagnosis of SIBO, it is not routinely performed because it requires a complex, invasive technique, and is costly. As a result, experts suggest breath testing for the diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine. The 3-hour SIBO profile provides insight into gas levels over a longer period of time, crucial for those with slower gastrointestinal transit or constipation. Symptoms of SIBO are non-specific, encompassing abdominal pain/distention, diarrhea, and flatulence – while some people experience no gastrointestinal symptoms at all.

Conditions commonly associated with SIBO include:

• IBS
• IBD
• Coeliac Disease
• Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia / Chronic fatigue / ME
• Rosacea and other chronic skin conditions
• Thyroid conditions
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Obesity