Are you wondering how to test for IBS at home? Unfortunately there isn’t a single IBS home test that can diagnose IBS.

Read about the different IBS testing kits available in the UK and what the most appropriate tests are for your specific symptoms.

In the UK, IBS is often diagnosed based on your symptoms (This known as Rome criteria). Sometimes your GP may order some tests to rule out medical conditions such as a coeliac blood test and a stool calprotectin test to help exclude inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

In this guide learn:

• What IBS is
• How doctors diagnose IBS in the UK
• At-home tests for IBS (what each actually tells you)
• A simple step-by-step plan
• NHS vs private: what’s different
• Treatment options that genuinely help
• FAQs

What is IBS?

IBS is a long-term condition where the gut becomes over-sensitive and its movement becomes irregular.

Typical features include:

• Recurrent tummy pain linked to bowel movements
• Changes in stool form or frequency- Diarrhoea, IBS or mixed
• Bloating, gas, and a sense of incomplete emptying
  

There are three subtypes:

• IBS-D: diarrhoea-predominant
• IBS-C: constipation-predominant
• IBS-M: mixed pattern
  

IBS is common and manageable. It’s also variable. Symptoms can flare, settle, and change over time.

How doctors diagnose IBS in the UK

There is no single IBS test. If you visit your GP this is what usually happens:

Your GP will ask you questions about your symptoms and may conduct some tests including a

• Coeliac blood test (tTG-IgA with total IgA)
• Stool calprotectin to look for gut inflammation (helps separate IBS from IBD)

Your GP may add routine bloods (e.g., full blood count, CRP). In some cases GPs may test for Helicobacter Pylori or bacteria such as Salmonella, E.coli or if you have travelled to a tropical country you may also have a basic parasitic screen. However, it is unlikely that you will get a full panel of tests on the NHS.

What happens next? If your test results are normal but your symptoms appear to be linked to IBS, you may receive the dreaded ‘dustbin’ IBS diagnosis.

Unfortunately this is not particularly helpful as the advice and help given revolves around medications such as laxatives or immodium or anti-spasmodics. Sometimes a low-FODMAP diet is recommended. possibly a referal to a dietician. So there is no true understanding of what is causing your symptomsw.

Can you test for IBS at home?

You can’t test for IBS with just one kit, but you can consider a number of tests see below:

At Home IBS tests kits to consider

1) Stool calprotectin (home collection → lab)

• If your GP will not conduct any tests and you have a family history of inflammatory bowel disease, you may wish to consider testing privately. Calprotectin will differentiate IBS from Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
  
• This stool test measures inflammation in the gut. High levels suggest of inflammation are typically linked with IBD (Crohn’s/UC) or infection, rather than IBS.
  
• Calprotectin is a simple way to separate IBD vs IBS in adults with ongoing bowel symptoms.
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• If you would like to test privately for Faecal calprotectin → (consider the GI-MAP test)
  

2) Coeliac screening (finger-prick or GP blood test)

• In some cases a good ibs test is a coeliac screen-
  
• This is a blood test that shows whether coeliac disease could explain symptoms –Coeliac blood test (tTG-IgA with total IgA)
  
• It is important to keep gluten in your diet before testing;
  
• Even if your test is negative it will not exclude food intolerance to Gluten.
  

3) SIBO breath testing (hydrogen & methane)

• One of my favourite IBS testing kits is a SIBO test.
  
• SIBO is a condition where bacteria that normally live mostly in the large intestine overgrow in the small intestine. They ferment carbohydrates early, producing hydrogen and/or methane gas, which can cause bloating, distension, pain, excessive wind, and either diarrhoea (hydrogen-dominant) or constipation (often methane-positive).
  
• The hydrogen & methane breath test (glucose or lactulose) can easily be conducted at home and measures an overgrowth of these gases over time.
  
• A positive test results indicates that SIBO/IMO is present and will require treatment such as antibiotics/herbal antibiotics.
  
• This test is useful if you have bloating/gas after carbs or methane-type constipation or diarrhoea and wind.
  
• We can provide this ibs test kit at home and the results take 2-days- SIBO Test UK
  
  
  

4)Microbiome/qPCR stool profiling (e.g., GI-MAP)

• Another IBS test at home we frequently use is a GI-MAP stool test -this test is designed to detect , potential pathogens linked to food poisoning, candida, bacteria, parasites, zonulin, and inflammation- calprotectin and elastase). This doesn’t “diagnose IBS,” but it helps understand what might be causing your symptoms.
  
• Dysbiosis” means your community of gut microbes is out of balance. Research suggests that, in some people with IBS, there can be lower levels of helpful bacteria (often Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) and higher levels of potential trouble-makers (for example certain E. coli or Clostridium species). Some patients have an overgrowth of bacteria and candida. Symptoms may include bloating, gas, and irregular bowels.
  
• This is a very helpful test to combine with a SIBO test and will look at microbes in the large intestine.
  
  

5)Blood test for IBS

There is no single “IBS blood test.” Bloods are used to exclude other causes and, in selected cases, support an IBS subtype.

Common bloods

• Coeliac screen (tTG-IgA + total IgA): rules out coeliac disease that can mimic IBS.
• FBC, ferritin, B12/folate, CRP/ESR, TSH (as indicated): checks anaemia, inflammation, thyroid.

Post-infectious IBS

ibs-smart™ measures anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin antibodies. A positive result can support a post-infectious IBS diagnosis (more useful in IBS-D/IBS-M). A negative does not rule out IBS.

At the moment this test is not available in the UK- However you can consider a SIBO test instead. Research indicates that some patients develop SIBO after food poisoning.

A simple IBS Test at -home plan (step by step)

Step 1: Safety first
If you have any red flags, contact your GP/NHS 111 before testing.

Here are the red flags that are not typical of IBS and mean you should speak to your GP or NHS 111 promptly:

Bowel/bleeding

• Rectal bleeding (blood mixed with stool or on paper)
• Black/tarry stools (could indicate bleeding higher up)

Weight, fever, anaemia

• Unintentional weight loss
• Persistent fever or signs of systemic illness
• Iron-deficiency anaemia (known or suspected — fatigue, breathlessness, pale skin)

Pain & night symptoms

• Severe, persistent, or worsening abdominal pain
• Nocturnal symptoms that wake you from sleep (pain or diarrhoea)
• New or rapidly changing bowel habits over age 50
• Strong family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  

Step 2: Start with the basics

• Coeliac blood test
• Stool calprotectin
  These quickly separate IBS-type symptoms from serious medical conditions.
  

Step 3: Target your next test

• If you experience Bloating/gas after carbs or “slow-gut” constipation → consider SIBO hydrogen & methane breath testing
• If you suspect candida, parasites or leaky gut consider GI-MAP® qPCR stool profiling
• If you have had food poisoning or post-infectious start with IBS-D/IBS-M → consider SIBO testing
• If you experience food intolerances → consider food intolerance testing
  

Step 4: Act on results

• Normal calprotectin + negative coeliac and a classic IBS pattern → IBS is likely. Start a time-limited diet trial (e.g., low-FODMAP with re-introduction), optimise fibre, sleep, movement, and stress tools.
• SIBO/IMO – If your results are positive, treat the overgrowth and follow a low-FODMAP diet for 4 weeks. Our IBS and SIBO specialists can help you.
• Candida overgrowth detected-Treat the overgrowth and follow a low-sugar diet for 4 weeks
• Leaky gut/ elevated Zonulin- Do your best to avoid gluten and take supplements such as L-Glutamine, fish oils and probiotics

Do you need IBS Help?

Book a 1:1 consultation with our sister IBS clinic and we can help you with IBS tests and solutions- including diet and supplements.

FAQs

Is there a single at-home test that proves IBS?
Unfortunately not.

Which home test should I start with?
Often stool calprotectin. If you suspect coeliac disease, add a coeliac blood test. If these are negative consider SIBO tests or Stool test such as the GI-MAP Test

Can a SIBO breath test diagnose IBS?
No. It can show SIBO/IMO that may co-exist with IBS.

Do I need a colonoscopy?
Usually no for typical IBS without red flags. Your GP will advise if needed.

Where does ibs-smart™ fit?
Best when IBS started after food poisoning, mainly in IBS-D/IBS-M. However this kit is not available in the UK. If you have developed IBS after food poisoning, it is best to conduct a SIBO test.

Are microbiome tests worth it?
Yes they can reveal co-factors to tailor care (dysbiosis, candida, parasites, low elastase, pathogens). They don’t diagnose IBS.

How to cure IBS permanently

There’s no proven “permanent cure.” The goal is long-term control with fewer flares and better quality of life. Most people improve with a plan that fits their subtype and sticks to basics:

The key is identyfing your triggers and then knowking what the best course of action is.

Author – Victoria Tyler BSc Hons MBANT

Victoria Tyler owns and runs two busy clinics : Nutrition and Vitality and the IBS and Gut Disorder Clinic.

Nutrition and Vitality, along with the IBS and Gut Disorder Clinic, were founded with the goal of helping patients alleviate IBS symptoms by uncovering and addressing the root causes of their digestive issues.

As a Registered Nutritional Therapist, Victoria holds a BSc (Hons) in Nutritional Therapy and has trained with the Institute of Functional Medicine. She is also accredited by BANT and CNHC.

Before transitioning into health, Victoria earned a degree in Economics and an MBA, working with corporations including Canon and Vodafone. However, her own health challenges led her to pursue a career in Nutritional Therapy.

With a passion for learning, Victoria is committed to staying at the forefront of Functional Medicine. She helps patients manage IBS and other digestive disorders, including SIBO, Candida, and IBD, by identifying and addressing their root causes.

Victoria strongly believes that every symptom has an underlying cause, and there is always a solution to every health condition. To learn more, or to see patient reviews, visit Victoria’s profile on Google.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products and methods mentioned are not a substitute for professional medical advice from a trained healthcare specialist. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Use of the information and products discussed is at your own risk.