Services Medical Screening SIBO Breath Test

SIBO Breath
Test

Investigate persistent digestive symptoms with a simple, non-invasive breath test. The test measures gases produced in the gut to help assess for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).

What it is

Breath Test for Bacteria
in the Small Intestine

SIBO means too many bacteria are growing in the small intestine, which can cause bloating, gas, discomfort and changes in bowel habits. This test checks for it by measuring the gases in your breath.

A man breathing out into a breath test device
  • A Series of Breath Samples

    Non-invasive. No blood or stool sample, only breath samples taken at set times.

  • Gases Measured in the Lab

    The samples are analyzed for gases made by bacteria as they ferment the test solution.

  • Checks for Bacterial Overgrowth

    The gas pattern shows whether bacteria may be overgrowing in the small intestine.

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Overview

What Happens on Test Day

You drink a test solution, then give breath samples at set intervals so the gases can be measured.

  • Preparation

    Follow the diet, fasting and medication instructions you are given before the test.

  • Baseline Sample

    A first breath sample is taken before you drink the solution, as a starting point.

  • Drinking the Test Solution

    You drink a measured solution of glucose or lactulose, depending on the test protocol.

  • Timed Samples

    More breath samples are collected at set intervals and analyzed for gut gases.

What to expect

How the Test Works,
Step by Step

A doctor-led process tailored to your symptoms, history and individual needs.

The laboratory bench where samples are prepared
All Medical Screening Tests
  1. Prepare

    Follow the preparation instructions provided before your test.

  2. Complete the Test

    Drink the test solution and collect your breath samples at the required intervals.

  3. Laboratory Analysis

    Your samples are analyzed to measure relevant breath gases.

  4. Review Your Results

    Your doctor reviews the findings together with your symptoms and health history.

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Frequently Asked

Common Questions About the SIBO Breath Test

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How long does it take?

Allow two to three hours, most of it waiting between samples, so bring something to read or work on. The preparation beforehand, a restricted diet the day before and an overnight fast, is the part that takes effort.

Is it uncomfortable?

The test itself is not. Some people do get bloating or wind during it, particularly if overgrowth is present, because you are deliberately giving the bacteria something to ferment. That reaction is useful to the test, not a problem.

What if the test is negative?

Then overgrowth is unlikely to be what is driving your symptoms, which helps narrow down the cause. A negative result is not a dead end; it redirects attention to the other causes, and the consultation covers what those are and which is worth investigating next.

Do I need a consultation first?

Yes. A doctor orders the test after a consultation, so it is chosen for your history and symptoms, not picked from a list. The same doctor then explains your results.

Where are the samples analyzed?

Samples are processed by accredited local and international laboratories, including partners in Australia, Germany and the USA, depending on which panel is ordered.

What happens after the results come back?

Your doctor goes through your results with you in person instead of emailing them. Together you agree a personalized plan, and the relevant markers are retested later to check it is working.

Getting started

Ready to speak to a doctor?

Every plan at Aton Clinic starts with a consultation. Bring your medical history and any recent test results, and together we will decide which tests you need.