SIBOtest

SIBOtest SIBOTest.com provides fast, accurate, testing services in the diagnosis of SIBO and IBS. Normal stomach acid levels are required to kill bacteria.

Normally, bacteria are found in the trillions in the LARGE INTESTINE, where they perform various symbiotic functions for the human body. SIBO is a condition where bacterial overgrowth occurs in the absorptive area of the body—the SMALL INTESTINE. Symptoms of SIBO can include:
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Alternating constipation and diarrhoea
Abdominal cramping
Bloating and/or wind
Burping and Acid ref

lux/GORD
Food sensitivities
Joint pain
Skin rashes
Iron and B12 deficiency
Respiratory symptoms such as asthma
SIBO can occur when
The ileocecal valve (which connects the large and the small intestine) is dysfunctional, allowing large intestinal bacteria to migrate upwards into the small intestine where they wreak havoc. The normal cleansing wave of the small intestine is disrupted or stopped – this cleansing wave is called the Migrating Motor Complex (MMS), and occurs approximately every 90 minutes, typically between meals. The function of the MMC is to wash out accumulated bacteria and propel them toward the colon. The MMC is not related to the peristaltic waves of the large intestines. The result is bacteria are allowed to grow and proliferate throughout the small intestine (a little over 6 meters in length). SIBO causes damage to the absorptive surface of the small intestine - the ability of the body to absorb nutrients from food. The absorptive surface of the small intestine is likened to a shaggy carpet, with finger-like protrusions called villi. The surface of the villi contain microvilli which act as the interface of absorption—microvilli secrete enzymes called “brush border enzymes” which break starches into single molecules, proteins into single amino acids so these can be absorbed. SIBO can result in
Malabsorption of monosaccharides and amino acids (carbohydrates and proteins)
Fermentation of disaccharides by bacteria causing hydrogen, methane and hydrogen sulphate gasses
These gasses themselves are damaging to the gut wall
Malabsorption of vitamins (especially B12 and Folic acid)
Malabsorption of minerals (especially, magnesium, iron, and calcium SIBO can cause leaky gut, with a damaged gut wall allowing larger particles to pass through, causing an immune response. Causes of SIBO
Post infectious: a case of gastroenteritis can often be the “heralding event” for the development of SIBO
Overconsumption of simple carbohydrates
Medications: proton pump inhibitors, morphine and other opiates, narcotics, possibly beta agonists and calcium channel blockers
Stress: chronic stress can decrease stomach acid output (hypochlorhydria). Stress also causes changes in the motility of the small intestines, causing a pooling and stagnation which allows for bacterial overgrowth
Altered anatomy: malformation of the ileocecal valve, surgical intervention causing scarring and adhesions altering the normal anatomy of the small intestines
Initial colonization of bad bacteria: caesarean birth, no breast feeding. Associated conditions
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – especially associated with diarrhoea dominant SIBO
Chronic constipation – associated with methane-dominant SIBO
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Inflammatory Bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
Acid reflux
Coeliac disease
Interstitial Cystitis
Restless leg syndrome
Acne
Rosacea
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Scleroderma
Chronic Prostatitis
Non alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
Liver cirrhosis
Diverticulitis

We follow the North American Consensus because it remains one of the most widely followed frameworks for SIBO breath tes...
05/09/2026

We follow the North American Consensus because it remains one of the most widely followed frameworks for SIBO breath testing worldwide and has provided the foundation for much of the research and clinical practice that has followed.

Published in 2017, the North American Consensus brought together experts in gastroenterology, gastrointestinal motility and breath testing, helping to establish greater consistency around patient preparation, substrate dosing, testing protocols and interpretation criteria.

This consistency matters because not all breath testing protocols are the same. Differences in preparation, substrate dose, sample collection and interpretation can influence results.

Since 2017, SIBO research has continued to evolve, with new evidence and international recommendations contributing to our understanding of breath testing.

We continue to use the North American Consensus as the foundation of our SIBO breath testing protocols, while following emerging research as the evidence evolves.

Learn more about the research behind SIBO breath testing via our website, or comment RESEARCH below and we will send you the link.

For years, one of the biggest criticisms of lactulose as a substrate for SIBO breath testing has been that an early hydr...
03/09/2026

For years, one of the biggest criticisms of lactulose as a substrate for SIBO breath testing has been that an early hydrogen rise may be caused by lactulose rapidly reaching the colon and undergoing colonic fermentation, rather than bacterial fermentation within the small intestine.

Recent research by Dahlgren and colleagues in 2025 and 2026 adds important evidence to this discussion.

Using lactulose breath testing alongside scintigraphy, their findings support that early hydrogen rises can reflect bacterial fermentation within the small intestine, rather than lactulose rapidly reaching the colon and being fermented there.

Lactulose is non-absorbable, so it remains available for bacterial fermentation as it moves through the entire small intestine and into the colon. This is what makes it a useful substrate for SIBO breath testing.

Dose is one of the key considerations when discussing the transit criticism. The effects of lactulose are dose-dependent, but not all breath testing protocols use the same amount. A 10 g dose of lactulose is recommended by the North American Consensus and was also used in the recent Dahlgren research. This is important because higher doses do not behave in the same way as the 10 g dose used in these studies.

Together, these findings add to the evidence supporting lactulose as a substrate for SIBO breath testing and challenge the assumption that an early hydrogen rise simply represents colonic fermentation due to rapid transit.

Like all substrates, lactulose has strengths and limitations, and breath test results should always be interpreted in the context of the individual patient.

Want to explore the research? Visit the SIBO Research section on our website, or comment RESEARCH below and we will send you the link.

PMID: 40990001
PMID: 41942940

You've been told it's IBS.But IBS tells you what you're experiencing... not necessarily why.IBS is a syndrome, meaning i...
03/09/2026

You've been told it's IBS.

But IBS tells you what you're experiencing... not necessarily why.

IBS is a syndrome, meaning it's a collection of symptoms rather than a single disease or cause.

For some people, an underlying condition may be contributing to those symptoms. One of those conditions is SIBO.

Research has shown that SIBO is more common in people with IBS than in the general population, which is why breath testing may be considered when clinically appropriate.

Understanding the 'why' behind your symptoms can help guide more targeted management.

If you've been told you have IBS but still don't have answers, comment TEST below and we'll send you the link to learn more or order a test.

The short answer is, not always.If your symptoms have improved by around 80% or more, your healthcare practitioner may d...
02/09/2026

The short answer is, not always.

If your symptoms have improved by around 80% or more, your healthcare practitioner may decide that retesting isn't necessary.

However, a retest can be useful when you want to assess how effective treatment has been. Symptoms don't always reflect what has happened to hydrogen and methane levels, so retesting provides objective information about your response to treatment.

Retesting can also be helpful if you've been feeling well and your symptoms return. SIBO and IMO can relapse, particularly when an underlying contributing factor is still present. Rather than assuming SIBO has returned, a breath test can help establish whether it has.

When retesting to assess treatment efficacy, we recommend completing your breath test the day after treatment has finished.

Ultimately, whether you need to retest depends on how you're feeling, your previous results and your healthcare practitioner's clinical judgement.

Returning SIBOtest customers may also be eligible for a 20% retest discount. Conditions apply.

If you see an invalid sample marked in red on your report, it means the sample didn't contain enough breath from the lun...
01/09/2026

If you see an invalid sample marked in red on your report, it means the sample didn't contain enough breath from the lungs to provide a reliable measurement.

At SIBOtest, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is measured in every breath sample as an important quality control marker. A low CO₂ reading can indicate that too much room air was captured during collection.

This can happen if you blow too hard, don't collect mid-breath, don't push the vial completely onto the collection device, or accidentally puncture the vial seal too early or more than once.

The good news? An invalid sample doesn't automatically mean an invalid test. It depends on which samples are affected and how many, and whether there is enough valid data across the test.

If there is a problem with your samples, we'll let you know if anything further is required.

And if you're ever unsure about collecting your samples or anything else about the test, please contact our Customer Support team. They are here to help before, during or after your test.

[email protected]
02 6684 0814

Interpreting Your Breath Test ResultsA breath test result is more than simply positive or negative.While established cri...
31/08/2026

Interpreting Your Breath Test Results

A breath test result is more than simply positive or negative.

While established criteria and algorithms are used to assess the gases measured in your breath samples, the numbers on your report are only part of the picture.

Baseline readings, changes in hydrogen and methane throughout the test, the relationship between the gases, the substrate used and the quality of the breath samples can all provide important information.

Other factors can also influence results, including preparation, gastrointestinal transit time, any symptoms experienced during testing, substrate dose, sampling intervals and individual gas production patterns.

At SIBOtest, your report includes gas graphs, an interpretation summary and personalised comments to provide your healthcare practitioner with detailed information from your test.

Your practitioner can then interpret your results alongside your usual symptoms, health history, clinical presentation and response to previous treatment.

Because breath test results don't exist in isolation. They need to be understood in the context of the individual patient.

Want to understand more about SIBO breath testing and the research behind it? Visit the Research section on our website.

Which SIBOtest is right for your patient?Here's a quick guide:Straightforward SIBO presentation→ SIBO Basic (Lactulose)M...
28/08/2026

Which SIBOtest is right for your patient?

Here's a quick guide:

Straightforward SIBO presentation
→ SIBO Basic (Lactulose)

More involved presentation or upper digestive complaints
→ SIBO Advanced (Glucose + Lactulose)

Multifactorial presentation or wanting to assess fructose absorption
→ Fructose Advanced (Lactulose + Fructose)

Chronic or complex presentation requiring the broadest assessment
→ SIBO Comprehensive (Glucose + Lactulose + Fructose)

Symptoms suggest fructose-related intolerance
→ Fructose Malabsorption Test

Constipation without additional SIBO symptoms, or methane requiring monitoring
→ Methane Spot Test

As always, your clinical judgement should guide final test selection.

Need help deciding which test is most appropriate for a patient? Call or email us:
02 6684 0814 | [email protected].

Comment "TEST" below, and we'll DM you the link to order!

Our Methane Spot Test is a simple, single-sample breath test used to assess Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO) by me...
27/08/2026

Our Methane Spot Test is a simple, single-sample breath test used to assess Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO) by measuring methane and carbon dioxide (CO₂) from a baseline breath sample.

The Methane Spot Test can be used in two ways.

As a Constipation Breath Test, it may be recommended for patients experiencing chronic constipation where methane is suspected, but there are no other symptoms suggestive of SIBO.

It can also be used as a Methane Spot Retest following a Lactulose Breath Test. This is particularly useful for patients who had elevated baseline methane levels that remained high throughout testing, without evidence of hydrogen-positive SIBO. Rather than repeating a full breath test after treatment, a single baseline methane sample can be used to reassess methane levels.

Your results are presented in an easy-to-read report, including an interpretation summary and personalised comments to assist your healthcare practitioner.

Simple, convenient and cost-effective, the Methane Spot Test provides a targeted way to assess methane levels when a full breath test may not be required.

SIBOtest is currently the only provider of the Methane Spot Test in Australia.

Comment TEST below and we'll send you the link to learn more or order a test.

Our Fructose Breath Test is a valuable tool for investigating both fructose malabsorption and SIBO.It uses 25 g of fruct...
26/08/2026

Our Fructose Breath Test is a valuable tool for investigating both fructose malabsorption and SIBO.

It uses 25 g of fructose, a naturally occurring sugar. If fructose is poorly absorbed, or excess bacteria are present in the small intestine, fermentation can produce hydrogen and methane gases that are detected in the breath.

Our Fructose Breath Test measures hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a 3-hour testing period, with breath samples collected every 20 minutes. Hydrogen and methane are measured to assess fermentation patterns, while CO₂ is used as a quality control measure to help verify an acceptable breath sample.

Your results are presented in an easy-to-read report, including gas graphs, an interpretation summary and personalised comments to assist your healthcare practitioner.

By assessing both fructose malabsorption and SIBO in a single test, our Fructose Breath Test provides additional clinical information that may help guide treatment.

For a more comprehensive assessment, your healthcare practitioner may recommend the Fructose Advanced, which combines lactulose and fructose, or the SIBO Comprehensive, which includes lactulose, glucose and fructose.

Want to see what a Fructose Breath Test report looks like? Comment SAMPLE below and we'll send you the link to view a sample report, learn more or order a test.

Our Glucose Breath Test is another valuable tool for assessing SIBO and IMO.It uses 75 g of glucose, a sugar that is rap...
25/08/2026

Our Glucose Breath Test is another valuable tool for assessing SIBO and IMO.

It uses 75 g of glucose, a sugar that is rapidly absorbed in the upper part of the small intestine. Because all bacteria can ferment glucose, it is an excellent substrate for assessing bacterial overgrowth in the proximal (upper) small intestine. Some healthcare practitioners may choose glucose depending on the patient's symptoms and overall clinical presentation.

Our Glucose Breath Test measures hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a 135-minute testing period, with breath samples collected every 15 minutes. The shorter sampling interval helps capture bacterial fermentation before the glucose is absorbed.

Your results are presented in an easy-to-read report, including graphs, an interpretation summary and personalised comments to assist your healthcare practitioner.

For more complex cases, your healthcare practitioner may recommend our SIBO Advanced Breath Test, which combines lactulose and glucose for a more comprehensive assessment.

Want to see what a Glucose Breath Test report looks like? Comment SAMPLE below and we'll send you the link to view a sample report, learn more or order a test.

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