SIBO Self-Test – Bacterial Overgrouwth

What is SIBO?

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, known by its acronym SIBO, occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the bacterial population present in the small intestine. Several conditions can promote SIBO, such as intestinal injury, structural problems, gastrointestinal surgery, or Crohn’s disease, among others.

The Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Study (SIBO) is the most reliable exhaled air test on the market. It is an exhaled hydrogen and/or methane test (or breath test) for the detection of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

The test consists of orally administering a controlled amount of substrate sugar called Lactitol and collecting exhaled air at different times (every 25 minutes), to determine the amount of hydrogen and/or methane exhaled through the breath.

Symptoms

The symptoms of SIBO are similar to those of many other gastrointestinal conditions, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Unintentional weight loss
• Gas and flatulence
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Indigestion

Who is it indicated for?

Breath self-testing for the diagnosis of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is recommended if you are experiencing non-specific symptoms related to the digestive tract, especially if there is a previous history of gastrointestinal problems.

Patient information

• You should carefully read the “Preliminary instructions” and the “Instructions for sample collection” before performing the test.
• It is necessary to perform the test with a fasting period of 12-14 hours.
• The duration of the test is approximately 2-3 hours (175 minutes).

CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE PERFORMING THE TEST

• Do not take antibiotics during the 30 days prior to the test, nor probiotics (15 days before) or Prokinetics (7 days).
• You cannot perform the test if you have undergone a colonoscopy or bowel cleansing preparation during the previous 4 weeks.
• On the same day and during the test, you must not smoke, eat chewing gum or eat.
• You should not engage in strenuous physical exercise for 6 hours prior to or during the test. It is recommended that you remain seated during the test.
• Before starting the test, you should not brush your teeth or use toothpaste or mouthwash.
• You should follow a specific diet for 24 hours prior to the test. Please read the “Preliminary instructions” carefully.

What does the kit include?

• 8 tubes for exhaled air samples obtained through the breath. Each labeled with the corresponding time of blowing.
• Straw to blow into the tubes.
• An envelope with the Lactitol preparation.
• Form to be filled in with your data and the symptoms you may present during the test.
• Preliminary indications for the test and instructions for sample collection.

What does the report include?

1. The report includes the parameters analyzed and indicates whether alterations have been detected in any of them (positive/negative).
2. Description and interpretation of the parameters detected from a curve.
3. Brief summary of the test results.

Process

Reception of the kit at home.

Performance of the test at home: eight samples of exhaled air obtained through the breath.

Delivery of the kit at any Cerba center.

Receipt and analysis of the sample in our laboratory.

Results report sent within 10 working days.

See your medical specialist for interpretation of the results.

How does it work?

Choose to take care of yourself.

Pay securely.

Test yourself at home and take the sample to a Cerba center.