From order to insights in three easy steps — no doctor’s visit required.
1
Order + Activate Test
Your breath collection kit is shipped directly to your home. Activate it online before beginning your test preparation. Discontinue antibiotics 4 weeks prior to testing (unless testing to confirm eradication after treatment).
2
Prepare + Take Breath Samples
Follow the 24-hour preparation diet (avoiding fermentable foods), then fast overnight for 12 hours with only water. After drinking the lactulose solution (10g), collect breath samples at baseline and at 20, 40, 60, 90, and 120 minutes using the provided collection tubes.
3
Ship + Receive Results
Ship your breath samples using the prepaid shipping materials. Results are typically available within 7 days with a detailed report showing hydrogen and methane gas levels over time, interpreted according to North American consensus guidelines.
Is This Right for You?
This test is designed for people who
If any of these apply, this test can give you clarity and peace of mind.
Deal with chronic bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort and want a clear answer
Have been told you have IBS but suspect bacterial overgrowth may be the real cause
Experience symptoms after eating that standard digestive tests haven’t explained
Want to know whether hydrogen or methane producing bacteria are driving your gut issues
Have tried dietary changes or probiotics without lasting relief and need a targeted diagnosis
Prefer a simple, non-invasive at-home breath test with results you can act on right away
3 key biomarkers
What's included in your report
Each result will include your value, your personalized optimal range, and a plain-language interpretation.
Peak Hydrogen (H₂)
Produced by bacteria fermenting carbohydrates in the small intestine. A rise of ≥20 ppm by 90 minutes suggests SIBO, meaning fermentation is happening too early. High hydrogen levels are linked to bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Peak Methane (CH₄)
Generated by archaea such as Methanobrevibacter smithii. A peak ≥10 ppm at any time is considered positive. Elevated methane indicates intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO), often tied to constipation-predominant SIBO, since methane slows intestinal transit.
Peak H₂ + CO₂
The test tracks H₂ and CH₄ for two hours after drinking a lactulose solution. When both gases are elevated, dual antimicrobial therapy is often needed. Interpretation follows the 2017 North American breath testing consensus guidelines.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the SIBO breath test?
Why might I consider the SIBO test?
How is the SIBO test done?
What should I do to prepare for the test?
Are there any reasons I might not be a good candidate for the test?
What does a "positive" or "negative" result mean?
If the test is positive, what happens next?
How long will it take to get the results?
Is this worth doing if I just have general gut symptoms like bloating but haven't had tests yet?
Instalab
