FAQ

Is it difficult to perform the test?

No. The test is simple to perform, and there are detailed test instructions with step-by-step explanations. A brief description of how to perform the test is provided in the follow-up questions. In the test kit, you will receive all the information via the provided QR code and can conveniently enter the data we need, of course in compliance with GDPR.

Can I take the test alone?

Yes. The test can be performed alone at home. No doctor is required.in/therapistin or an appointment at a practice is required.

Are there instructions for the test

Yes. You can download the instructions digitally to your phone or tablet using the included QR code.

How does the test detect a SIBO?

The breath test measures hydrogen and methane gases in the air you breathe in response to drinking a sugar solution. As a rule, lactulose (consisting of fructose and galactose) or glucose is used as a sugar solution. When a SIBO is present, the bacteria begin to metabolize lactulose in the small intestine before it even reaches the large intestine, leading to an early increase in gas production. These gases get into the blood, are exhaled through the lungs and measured by us.

How is the test carried out?

A sugar solution (15 ml) is mixed with water and drunk. Then breath air samples are taken with the help of a mouthpiece and vacuum tubes, which store the air and make it transportable. These samples are sent back to the laboratory and evaluated there. A detailed step-by-step test guide is included with your test kit.

Are hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) measured?

Yes. This is the only way for the test to deliver the most reliable results. Common breath tests often only measure hydrogen, so that a SIBO of people who produce methane (~ 30% of the population) often goes undetected.

Why does Sibolab prefer to use lactulose?

Lactulose gives more reliable results. Glucose is already absorbed by the first section of the small intestine and can only detect bacterial activity there. Lactulose, on the other hand, migrates through to the large intestine and enables detection to the rear section.

Can I also use glucose instead of lactulose for my test?

As explained in the question above, there are good reasons to use lactulose. But if you would like to use glucose, you can use the "Special information for the seller" field during the ordering process and ask for glucose there. Just write, "I want to use glucose instead of lactulose."

How long does the test take?

The test duration is 180 minutes (3 hours) - the preparation time is not included!

What is included in the test kit?

QR code for test instructions and information, 10 vacuum glass tubes, 1 mouthpiece with breathing bag, sugar solution (lactulose or glucose), address and postage label for return shipping within Germany.

What do I have to consider before the test? (Test preparation)

All suggestions for preparation must be discussed in advance with your therapist.

In general:

1 month before the test

Wait at least 4 weeks before testing after: antibiotic therapy¹, colonoscopy, colonic irrigation, and X-ray examination with oral contrast medium.

1 week before the test – take a break:

• Prebiotics, probiotics and probiotic products (e.g. yogurt and fermented products)
• Antifungal drugs
• Herbal antimicrobial products (“herbal antibiotics”)¹

24 (48) hours before the test

• Strictly follow the preparatory diet² (starting 48 hours in case of constipation; details in the next question).
• Stop taking: laxatives, stool softeners, other digestive aids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), dietary supplements.

12 hours before the test

• Fast for 12 hours (water only).
• If possible (only after consultation): avoid non-essential medications.

1 hour before & during the test

• Brush your teeth with water only (without toothpaste).
• No smoking (including passive smoking).
• Wake up at least 1 hour before the test; do not sleep during the test.
• No sporting activities.

Note ¹: There is no need to wait for follow-up tests to monitor the success of SIBO therapy with (herbal) antibiotics; testing can be performed immediately after therapy.

What can I eat the day before the test? (Preparatory Diet)

Purpose: To prevent food fermentation, which can distort measurement results. Start 24 hours in advance (48 hours in case of blockage). Please only eat the following:

Permitted foods

• Baked/roasted chicken, fish or turkey (with salt & pepper)
• Olive or coconut oil (1 tbsp for cooking)
• Steamed white rice (basmati/jasmine)
• eggs
• Clear chicken or beef broth (boneless, without vegetables)
• Only white bread
• Pure table water (not mineral water)
• The morning before: 1 cup of black tea or coffee (without sugar, milk, sweeteners). On the test day: only water.

Example plan

• 08:00 AM – 20:00 PM: Diet (12 hours)
  Breakfast: scrambled eggs + a slice of white bread
  Lunch: Salt/pepper chicken + white rice
  Evening: Fish with salt/pepper + white rice
  Drinks: still water
  
• 20:00 AM – 08:00 PMFasting (12 hours) – water only; test starting at 08:00 a.m. Drink only moderate amounts of still water during the test.
  

Important: Guidelines vary by therapist/laboratory; study results are inconsistent. Adjustments by practitioners are possible.

I have already done a hydrogen (H2) breath test. Does another test at Sibolab make sense?

If any of the following questions are "No" is answered, a new test is advisable:

• Was on Methane tested?
• Was with lactulose tested?
• Was at least 140 minutes tested for sugar solution?
• Was the Test Preparation complied with?
• Was the test corrector carried out?

What medication do I have to stop and how early before the test?

The information about the test preparation contains the information about the medication.

Is the test alone a reliable test for SIBO?

Unfortunately there is no such thing as a perfect test. False positive results are rare and mostly caused by improper preparation or collection. Almost all false negative results are avoided by measuring methane in addition to hydrogen.

How soon do I have to send the test back?

Send the test within two business days of taking it. For example: Test on Monday → return by mail by Wednesday at the latest.

Is delivery free of charge?

Yes, shipping within Germany is free – including return shipping to the lab. A shipping label is included.

Is delivery possible outside of Germany?

Yes, we also ship internationally. However, shipping is only free within Germany.

• EU up to 17,50 € expense allowance
• Non-EU: 19,99 € expense allowance
• Customer bears return shipping & costs.
  Breath samples are stable for up to 21 days after collection; please return them promptly.

Will my health insurance company reimburse the test?

Unfortunately not. This is an individual health benefit. However, it may be worth checking with your insurance provider.

How do I cancel / revoke my order?

Please send an email Withdrawal form and order number info@sibolab.euAfter receiving the item back safely and undamaged, we will cancel the invoice. Please note the cancellation policy.

What payment options do I have?

Paypal, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro), Klarna (Sofort, purchase on account), Sofortüberweisung, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Shop Pay, eps-Überweisung, Bancontact and iDeal.

How do I get my lab report?

We will send your doctorin/therapistin an email with a download link to your lab report. If you sent the test directly to us, you will receive you the report via download link.

When will my doctor getin/therapistWhen will I receive my results?

Approx. 2-3 business days after receipt of the test. (During Corona: approx. 4-5 days after receipt of the test.)

I received my lab report. What's next?

Always discuss your results with your doctor and/or therapist. SIBO can and should be treated. We are gathering scientific information to provide you with options for action and everyday tips. If the result is negative, continue searching for the cause – ideally together with your doctor/therapist.

Can I make the test available to my patients?

Yes. The test is designed as a home test, allowing your patients to take the test regardless of your practice's time constraints. Simply refer to our website or email the link to our product page to your patients: https://www.sibolab/products/atemtest.

Alternatively, we can send you order forms that you can complete and sign with the patient and fax to us. Please feel free to contact us if you prefer this method.

Can you send us information about the guest breath test?

Yes, of course. Please send us an email to info@sibolab.de or call us at +49 (0) 30 49 500 833.

Where can I learn more about SIBO?

On the information platform for functional-integrative, preventive & holistic medicine Doctaris you will find https://doctaris.com/fachkreise-partner/sibolab/ an online course on basic knowledge and a variety of documents and studies that can support you in your work.

You have to register with Doctaris, but basic access is free.

Can I also get the test directly?

Yes. However, Sibolab expressly does not replace the consultation of a doctor or therapist. The interpretation of the test result should definitely be done by a doctor or therapist.

What is SIBO?

SIBO refers to bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine and is the most common cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The term SIBO is the abbreviation for Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth.

What are the symptoms of SIBO?

Common symptoms of SIBO are:

• Bloated stomach
• Abdominal pain and/or cramps
• Altered stool frequency and/or consistency (constipation, diarrhea, or both)
• bloating
• Nausea
• fatigue
• Eructation
• heartburn

Which signs speak for SIBO?

• First symptoms appear after treatment with antibiotics, painkillers or other medications
• Fiber worsens symptoms
• Despite a gluten-free diet for gluten intolerance, the symptoms remain
• Probiotics do not help or worsen symptoms
• Antibiotics seem to improve symptoms (temporarily)
• Difficulty concentrating and dizziness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood tests show chronic iron or B12 deficiency with no known cause

What happens in the body at SIBO?

In a healthy digestive tract, the small intestine is barely colonized with bacteria. The large intestine, which follows the small intestine, is colonized with many different bacteria. These bacteria are beneficial and beneficial in the large intestine, but harmful in the small intestine. In SIBO, there are significantly too many bacteria in the small intestine. In addition to a disrupted closure between the small and large intestines (ileocecal valve) and insufficient movement of the gastrointestinal muscles, there are many different causes. As a result of this overgrowth, a range of symptoms can occur that are comparable to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Is SIBO treatable?

Yes, SIBO is basically treatable. Please contact a doctor or therapist who is familiar with SIBO.