SIBO Breath Test

SIBO, which stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, is a condition in which there is an abnormal increase of bacteria in the small intestine, particularly those bacteria that are not commonly found in that part of the digestive tract.

This condition can affect nutrient absorption, cause vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition, and also lead to chronic digestive discomfort.

Some of the symptoms that may indicate bacterial overgrowth in the intestine are as follows:

• Bloating
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Gas

The causes of this medical condition range from potential functional disorders to abnormalities in the structure of the gastrointestinal tract. 

Below are some of the most relevant ones:

• Previous alterations: due to abdominal surgeries or medical conditions that may explain changes in the anatomy of the intestine and increase the risk of SIBO.
• Complications from abdominal surgery.
• Excessive use of antibiotics: they can lead to a natural bacterial imbalance in the intestine.
• Medical conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, diabetes, scleroderma, etc.
• Weak immune system: deficiencies in the immune system may be the cause of excessive bacterial growth in the small intestine.

To correctly perform the SIBO breath test, you should follow these steps:

1. First, you need to go to the laboratory with your voucher to collect your test kit.
2. Once at home, open the kit and carefully read the instructions included.
3. To begin the test, you should orally ingest the substrate (lactulose, lactitol, or glucose), which is a controlled amount of sugar.
4. Next, using the tubes included in the kit, you must collect the exhaled air at different times (every 30 minutes).
5. Once you have completed the test, carefully store the samples in the kit and return it to the laboratory for analysis.

The test lasts about 3 hours. It is very important to follow the instructions and recommendations before taking this test, which we explain in the following section.

The kit includes everything you need to perform the test, such as instructions, the substrate to be ingested, and the tubes for collecting the exhaled air samples. The results will be available within 10 business days from their receipt at the laboratory.

This test requires a medical prescription/referral. 

If you don’t have a medical referral for the performance of this test, please contact first with our Patient Service Team before purchasing the test on our website. 

Click here to contact us by message, or by call at +34 91 141 33 56.

1. The patient must fast from the previous night (at least 12 hours); 24 hours before starting the test, the patient can only consume fish, eggs, meats, and broths, and may drink water before the test.
2. As a precautionary measure, it is recommended to stop taking probiotics for 15 days and prokinetics for 7 days prior to sample collection (always with your doctor's authorization).
3. Breath tests should not be performed in patients who have recently undergone antibiotic therapy, intestinal lavage, or enteroscopy, unless 4 weeks have passed since these treatments or examinations.
4. During this time and while performing the breath test, the subject should not chew gum, as it usually contains sorbitol, which can be fermented to produce hydrogen in the intestinal system.
5. Do not smoke from the night before the test.
6. Do not apply lipstick on the day of the sample collection.
7. Avoid any physical exertion (at least 30 minutes before ingesting the substrate and during the test).
8. Do not brush your teeth with toothpaste from the night before. On the day of sample collection, simply rinse your mouth with water.
9. During the fasting period, you can drink still water in small amounts, approximately one glass in the morning.

The cost of the SIBO test is 71 €, which includes the test kit containing the substrate to ingest, the instructions, and the tubes for collecting the exhaled air sample, as well as the analysis and delivery of results.

The SIBO breath test is available at any Megalab laboratory, which is distributed throughout the country.

To take this test, it is necessary to make an appointment in advance to receive the kit with the sample at the nearest Megalab laboratory in your city.

Megalab has more than 60 clinical laboratories, where over 10,000 daily analyses and diagnostic tests are conducted. These laboratories are equipped with the latest technological advancements.

It is one of the largest laboratories in Spain with over 25 years of experience and an accredited track record. Additionally, it leads laboratory management, with a presence in 54 private hospitals.

If you want to diagnose a possible intestinal issue, click on the following image to purchase the test and schedule an appointment:

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