SIBO Breath Test UK-Private Breath Testing at Home
SIBO Breath Test UK (Hydrogen & Methane) — At‑Home Breath Testing UK
If you’re struggling with persistent bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort or irregular bowels, a SIBO test in the UK can help identify whether Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or methane-dominant overgrowth (IMO) is contributing to your symptoms.
We offer a private SIBO breath test UK-wide, delivered directly to your home. This simple, non-invasive at-home SIBO test kit measures hydrogen and methane gases and can help uncover the root cause of your digestive symptoms.
✔️ Convenient home testing across the UK
✔️ Hydrogen and methane breath testing
✔️ Results within 2–3 working days
✔️ Optional consultation with a SIBO specialist- the fee is £170
Once your results are ready, you can book a consultation to go through them in detail and receive a personalised treatment plan.
To arrange your private SIBO test in the UK, please contact us at help@nutritionandvitality.co.uk or call 0345 129 7996.
What is a SIBO breath test?
A SIBO breath test is a simple, non-invasive test used to detect small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) by measuring the gases (hydrogen and methane) you exhale after drinking a sugar solution.
If excess microbes are present in the small intestine, they ferment the test solution and produce gases. These gases are absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled in your breath, where they can be measured over time.
The laboratory analyses these results and plots a curve, which we then interpret alongside your symptoms and medical history to determine whether SIBO or methane-dominant overgrowth (IMO) is likely.
What do hydrogen and methane results mean?
- Hydrogen (H₂): Often associated with diarrhoea, urgency, bloating, and increased gut activity
- Methane (CH₄): Produced by methanogenic archaea (not bacteria), commonly linked with constipation, slower gut transit, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation
- Mixed patterns: Many people produce both gases, which can explain alternating bowel habits and more complex symptom patterns
Unlike stool tests, which mainly reflect the large intestine, a SIBO breath test provides insight into what may be happening in the small intestine — where SIBO and IMO most commonly affect digestion and symptoms after eating.
Glucose vs Lactulose SIBO tests
We offer both glucose and lactulose SIBO breath tests, depending on your clinical picture.
- Glucose:
Higher specificity (fewer false positives), but may miss overgrowth further along the small intestine - Lactulose:
Assesses the entire small intestine, but may be more prone to false positives if results are not carefully interpreted
How do you test for SIBO at home?
A SIBO test at home is simple, convenient, and can be completed in 3 hours.
Step-by-step: how the SIBO breath test works
1. Preparation (the day before)
You will follow a simple low-fermentation diet and then fast for 12 hours overnight to ensure accurate results.
2. Baseline breath sample
On the morning of the test, you take a normal breath and blow into the first collection tube to record your baseline gas levels.
3. Drinking the test solution
You then drink a small amount of the test solution (either lactulose or glucose), which acts as a substrate for any bacteria present in the small intestine.
4. Breath sample collection
After this, you provide breath samples at regular intervals (every 20 minutes) for approximately 3 hours.
5. Send your samples to the lab
Once completed, your samples are posted or couriered to our UK laboratory for analysis.
6. Results and interpretation
The lab measures hydrogen and methane levels in each sample and plots a time curve. We then interpret these results alongside your symptoms and medical history to explain what they mean and what to do next.
Most people receive their results within 2–3 working days.
Who Can Benefit from a home SIBO Home Test kit ?
SIBO can lead to a range of uncomfortable digestive symptoms, including:
- Bloating and excessive gas
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Malabsorption of nutrients, leading to vitamin deficiencies
If you are looking for the root cause of these symptoms a SIBO test may shed some light on why you are experiencing these symptoms.
SIBO Test at home- UK-Is private SIBO testing worth it?
While SIBO testing may be available through the NHS in some cases, access is often limited and waiting times can be long.
Private testing allows you to:
- Get tested quickly without long delays
- Understand the root cause of your symptoms
- Receive targeted, personalised treatment advice
Testing for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) at home is a convenient and reliable way to diagnose the condition. We can give you a kit when you have a consultation to take home or we can post one to you.
Order Your SIBO Test UK
If you’re experiencing ongoing bloating, gas, or digestive symptoms and want clear answers, a SIBO breath test at home is a simple and effective first step.
Our private SIBO test in the UK allows you to test from the comfort of your own home, with fast results and expert support available when you need it.
✔️ Delivered anywhere in the UK
✔️ Hydrogen and methane testing
✔️ Results within 2–3 working days
✔️ Optional consultation with a SIBO specialist
Ready to get started?
To order your SIBO test kit, please contact us:
📧 help@nutritionandvitality.co.uk
📞 0345 129 7996
Not sure if testing is right for you?
If you would prefer to discuss your symptoms first, you are very welcome to book a consultation. We can help determine whether SIBO testing is appropriate and guide you on the best next steps.
Who should test for SIBO?
You may benefit from a SIBO breath test if you experience persistent digestive symptoms (typically lasting 8–12 weeks or more), particularly if they have not improved with basic dietary changes.
Common signs that may suggest SIBO or methane-dominant overgrowth (IMO) include:
- Bloating or visible abdominal distension, especially after meals or worsening throughout the day
- Excess gas, abdominal discomfort, cramping, or a feeling of tightness
- Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating bowel habits
- Nausea, reflux or heartburn, and early fullness (“food sits there” feeling)
- Sensitivity to high-FODMAP foods, such as onions, garlic, beans, wheat, certain fruits, or sugar alcohols (e.g. sorbitol, xylitol)
You may be at higher risk of SIBO if you have:
- Developed symptoms after food poisoning or traveller’s diarrhoea
- A history of long-term PPI use (e.g. omeprazole), frequent antibiotics, or opioid medications
- Undergone abdominal surgery, or have conditions such as endometriosis or connective tissue disorders
- Been diagnosed with IBS that has not responded to standard dietary approaches
- Unexplained nutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12 or iron
- Unintentional weight loss or ongoing digestive symptoms without a clear diagnosis
When should you consider a SIBO test?
If your symptoms are ongoing, affecting your quality of life, or not improving with standard treatments, a SIBO test at home in the UK can help identify whether bacterial overgrowth is contributing to your symptoms and guide a more targeted treatment approach.
Conditions associated with SIBO
SIBO is often linked with a range of underlying conditions that affect digestion, gut motility, or the balance of bacteria in the gut.
These include:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Food poisoning or gastroenteritis (a common trigger for post-infectious SIBO)
- Chronic use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole
- Frequent antibiotic use
- Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel conditions
- Pancreatic insufficiency (reduced digestive enzyme production)
- Gallbladder removal (affecting bile flow and digestion)
- Previous abdominal surgery (which may affect gut motility)
- Endometriosis (in some cases affecting gut function)
- Opioid use, which can slow gut movement
In some individuals, SIBO has also been associated with systemic symptoms or conditions such as:
- Rosacea and skin issues
- Fatigue or neurological symptoms (e.g. tingling or “pins and needles”)
- Nutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12
These associations do not necessarily mean SIBO is the sole cause, but they can be important clues when symptoms are persistent or unexplained.
How much does a SIBO test at Home cost? Hydrogen Breath Test Cost
The cost of the Hydrogen Breath test at home is £165. This is one of the most affordable tests on the market.
What’s included in our SIBO test kit:
- Hydrogen and methane breath testing
- At-home testing kit delivered anywhere in the UK
- Step-by-step instructions for completing the test
- Laboratory analysis of your breath samples
- Results within 2–3 working days
Once your results are ready, you have the option to book a consultation (£170) to go through your results in detail and receive a personalised treatment plan.
How do I know if I have SIBO?
A characteristic rise in gases within 90 minutes —matched to your symptoms—supports a SIBO diagnosis or methane-predominant overgrowth (often linked with constipation).
Can you get a SIBO test on the NHS?
It is sometimes possible to access SIBO testing on the NHS, but this usually requires a referral from your GP to a gastroenterologist.
In practice, access can be limited and may depend on your local area. Many patients experience long waiting times, and in some cases SIBO testing is not routinely offered within standard NHS pathways.
GPs do not typically carry out SIBO testing directly. Instead, they may focus on managing symptoms (such as IBS) or refer you for further investigation if needed.
As a result, many people choose to arrange a private SIBO test in the UK, particularly if symptoms are ongoing, impacting quality of life, or have not improved with standard treatment.
Can you test for SIBO in your London clinic?
It is no longer possible to conduct the SIBO test in our London clinic, however we can provide you with a SIBO home test kit during your consultation in our London clinic to take home.
Do you offer a Glucose SIBO Test?
Yes we offer a Glucose SIBO test and the fee is £165.
Causes of SIBO
Several factors can contribute to SIBO, including:
- Food poisoning or gastroenteritis
- Low stomach acid due to acid-suppressing medications (e.g., Omeprazole, Lansoprazole)
- Crohn’s disease
- Stress
- Gallbladder removal
- Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid)
- Surgery
- Constipation
- Lack of pancreatic enzymes
How can I treat SIBO?
Unfortunately SIBO can relapse the treatments available are listed below
- Herbal antibiotics including Oregano oil for SIBO- these are effective supplements to combat SIBO
- Following specific SIBO Diets such as Low FODMAP diet
- Taking antibiotics such as Rifaximin and or Neomycin- unfortunately these are not readiy avaialble on the NHS
- Taking motility agents such as Prucalopride/ Ginger
- Taking supplements to improve Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid)
- Addressing underlying causes such as stress/ constipation/ medications
- Using an elemental diet- this involves drinking shakes that contain pre-digested carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
What is Methane SIBO?
This means that your test will have elevated levels of methane gas. Methane is produced by specific bacteria, primarily Methanobrevibacter smithii.
The most common symptoms are constipation and bloating and slower gastrointestinal transit times due to the effects of methane, leading to constipation.
How does the SIBO Breath Test work?
Preparation
- Diet Restrictions: In the 24 hours leading up to the test, you’ll be instructed to follow a specific diet, consisting of simple, easily digestible foods like plain white rice or chicken, to minimize gas production.
- Fasting: You’ll need to fast for 12 hours before the test, which means no food or drink (other than water).
- Medications: You may need to stop certain medications, such as antibiotics, probiotics, and laxatives, for a specified period (usually 2 weeks), as they can affect the test results.
Starting the test
Baseline Breath Sample: The test starts by blowing into a tube to provide a baseline breath sample, which will measure the amount of hydrogen and methane gases in your breath.
Ingesting the Test Solution
You’ll drink a solution of either lactulose or glucose. These are non-absorbable sugars that pass through the small intestine and act as a substrate for bacterial fermentation if there is an overgrowth.
Breath sample collection
After drinking the solution, you’ll be asked to provide breath samples at regular intervals, every 20 minutes, for around 3 hours. The breath samples are collected using a tube or small bag, and the amount of hydrogen and methane gases exhaled is measured.
Analysis
- The test measures the levels of hydrogen and methane in your breath. In people with SIBO, the bacteria in the small intestine ferment the sugar (glucose or lactulose), producing elevated levels of these gases.
- If the gases increase significantly within the first 90 minutes of the test, it suggests bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
What is the difference between Lactulose and Gluclose?
Lactulose and glucose are both used to test for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), but they are effective for different parts of the small intestine. The glucose breath test is better for detecting overgrowth in the upper small intestine because it is quickly absorbed there. If bacteria are present, they will ferment the glucose, producing hydrogen or methane gases that can be measured in breath samples. This test provides faster results and has a lower chance of false positives.
In contrast, the lactulose breath test is more reliable for finding overgrowth in the lower small intestine. Since lactulose is not absorbed, it travels further down the digestive tract. This test can give a more complete picture of bacterial overgrowth, but it may take longer to show results and has a higher risk of false positives due to fermentation in the colon.
How can I order a SIBO home test kit?
Order a SIBO Test Kit
You can order an at-home SIBO breath test kit by e-mailing help@nutritionandvitality.co.uk or calling 0345 1297996
The kit includes:
Breath collection tubes or bags
A sugar solution (usually lactulose or glucose)
Detailed instructions on how to perform the test at home
- Order Your Kit: Purchase your SIBO test kit online, and it will be shipped directly to your address.
- Collect Samples: Follow the included instructions to collect breath samples at home.
- Send It Back: Return your samples to our accredited laboratory for analysis.
- Receive Results: You will receive your results via email within 2-3 days.
Can I get a SIBO test on the NHS?
While the test is available through the NHS, obtaining a referral can be challenging as many GPs are still not well-versed in this condition and you may need to wait 6 months or more.
Cheapest and Fastest SIBO Test UK
Affordability: We pride ourselves on offering one of the cheapest SIBO test in the UK without compromising on quality.
- Speed: The results will tale 2-3 days and will be e-mailed to you.
What is Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO?
Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO is a type of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth where bacteria produce excess hydrogen sulfide gas. Unlike typical SIBO, which involves hydrogen or methane-producing bacteria, this type is linked to bacteria that produce hydrogen sulfide, known for its sulfur or “rotten egg” odour.
Key Features
- Symptoms: Diarrhoea, sulphur-smelling gas, abdominal pain, and sometimes systemic symptoms like fatigue, body pain, and bladder irritation.
What are the symptoms of SIBO?
Typical symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Feeling bloated or full, even after small meals
- Struggling with diarrhea or constipation
- Unexplained weight loss, without trying
- Trouble digesting high-fiber foods like broccoli, beans, onions, or garlic
- Constant belching, excess gas, or embarrassing flatulence
- Mental fogginess
- Iron or B12 deficiencies, signaling poor nutrient absorption
- Leaky gut symptoms, like joint pain, skin rashes, or severe food intolerances
- Skin conditions like rosacea flaring up for no clear reason
- Restless Legs
- Fatigue
Why should I take a SIBO test?
Performing a SIBO home test has numerous benefits:
- If you do not wish to wait for a referal from your GP to a Gastroenterologist, it is best to take the matter into your hands
- If you are keen to understand what is causing your symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhoea
Can SIBO cause IBS?
Did you know that between 30% to 80% of people with IBS symptoms including diarrhoea, constipation, gas, bloating, and flatulence may actually be suffering from SIBO? Testing for SIBO can be a crucial step in identifying the root cause of digestive issues that are often misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
What is SIBO?
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is defined by the World Journal of Gastroenterology as an “increase in the number and/or alteration in the type of bacteria in the upper gastrointestinal tract.” In a healthy digestive system, the body removes excess bacteria from the small intestine through a process called the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC).
When this process is impaired, bacteria can build up, leading to symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. The bacteria that has overgrown in the small bowel normally lives in your large bowel.
The bacteria tend to cause symptoms such as bloating and gas as they feed off the sugars in the foods that you eat particularly carbohydrates.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, a SIBO test in London could help identify the underlying issue and guide effective treatment.
SIBO Specialists. If you have tested positive for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and would like to get treated please contact our sister clinic the IBS and Gut disorder Clinic and they will book you in with a SIBO specialist in London or by means of a virtual consultation.
Have any questions? Call us now!
0345 1297996
FAQ
How is the SIBO Home Test performed?
At the start of the test, you will need to blow into a balloon with a breath of air. The laboratory will then measure hydrogen and methane from your breath sample. Breath samples are collected 10 times over a 3 hour period. Before doing the hydrogen breath test you will need to fast for 12 hours and eat a low-fibre diet. We will send you full instructions.
What does the test measure?
The test is designed to measure levels of methane and hydrogen in your breath. If these exceed a certain level this is diagnostic of SIBO.
How common is SIBO?
Research indicates that up to 60% of patients with IBS have SIBO.
What is the treatment of SIBO?
You will need to see a professional and take anti-bacterials -Rifaximin or natural herbal remedies may be helpful. We also recommend a low-fodmap diet. If you would like to book a consultation with us please contact or call us on 0345 1297996.
Is diet important to reduce symptoms of SIBO?
Yes, diet is very important. You may need to follow a low-fodmap or SCD diet to help eradicate the bacteria. It is important that you find suitable replacements and still eat in a balanced way. Our consultants can help you.