SIBO breath test (glucose)

The SIBO breath test (glucose) is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Glucose is ingested, and subsequently, breath samples are collected at timed intervals. Bacteria in the small intestine, if present in excessive numbers, will metabolize the glucose and produce hydrogen and methane gases. These gases are absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled. By measuring the concentrations of these gases in the breath samples over time, an assessment of bacterial activity in the small intestine can be made.