The hydrogen-methane breath test is a non-invasive diagnostic test helpful in determining small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and methanogens (archaea) in the intestine (IMO – Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth). The test is performed after oral administration of lactulose solution and measurement of the level of hydrogen and methane in the exhaled air at time intervals. During the examination, patients may experience bloating, abdominal pain, or loose stools. The test duration is a 180 minutes. During this time, it is recommended to lack of physically inactive and remain at rest until the measurements are completed. It is necessary to properly prepare the patient for the examination. By ordering the test via our e-shop, you will receive a kit for easy and safe self-collection of exhaled air. You will receive detailed instructions from us on how to prepare for the examination and how to collect exhaled air. After collecting the samples, simply send the material for analysis to our laboratory by courier. We will send you the results in English by e-mail.
The hydrogen-methane breath test is the highest standard for SIBO and IMO diagnostics
The gases detected in the test are produced in the intestines only by bacteria and archeon, hence their increased concentration in the exhaled air is an indicator of bacterial overgrowth. An additional parameter increasing the quality of the hydrogen-methane breath test is the assessment of the correctness of exhaled air collection in the tested sample thanks to the additional measurement of CO2 concentration. Additional measurement of CO2 concentration is the quality control of each sample collected so you can feel confident in each breath sample evaluated.
The test is for people suffering from:
- bloating,
- gas,
- stomachache,
- overflowing in the stomach,
- unwell after taking probiotics and/or raw vegetables and fruits diarrhea,
- suspected small intestinal microbiota overgrowth (SIBO) and methanogen (IMO).
Indications for performing the test:
- suspected small intestinal microflora overgrowth,
- flatulence, gas,
- diarrhea,
- skin problems,
- constipation,
- chronic fatigue,
- abdominal pain,
- defecation rhythm disturbances.
Range of the test: Diagnostics of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and methanogen (IMO)
Material for test: Exhaled air at-home breath collection test. The maximum delivery time of the test material from the moment of collection is 5 days.
Method: Hydrogen-methane breath test – measurement of hydrogen and methane in exhaled air is performed by gas chromatography using the Quintron analyzer. For each tested sample, dilution correction is made by measuring the CO2 concentration (sample quality control).
How to prepare for the test?
ATTENTION! Proper preparation of the patient for the test is crucial and is the most important factor in a properly performed test.
Seven days before the test:
- you should stop using laxatives and prokinetic agents: lactulose, itopride (trade names: Prokit, Zirid), cisapride (trade name: Gasprid) and metoclopramide (trade name: Metoclopramidum polpharma), as well as medicines containing trimebutin (trade names: Debretin, Debridat, Tribux and Ircolon) – please contact your doctor.
Three days before the examination:
On the day before the examination:
- in case of constipation, before the test, a low-fermentation diet should be implemented (no complex carbohydrates, no milk and dairy products) – recommended consumption of white rice, white bread, meat, eggs,
- do not eat products such as onion, leek, garlic, cabbage, beans or any pickled vegetables,
- avoid milk and/or fruit juices, eat your last meal (not too heavy, not containing fiber) at least 14 hours before the start of the test,
- within 14 hours before the start of the test, you are allowed to drink only water.
On the day of the examination:
- it is recommended to brush your teeth,
- people wearing dentures cannot use glue,
- it is recommended to drink a glass of warm water,
- you can take medicines (except vitamins, laxatives and antibiotics) with plain water,
- there is no need to discontinue drugs from the group of proton pump inhibitors – PPIs,
- do not smoke or chew gum at least 2 hours before the test,
- avoid physical activity – you should also avoid movement and physical exertion during the test.
Providing samples: Place the air samples in protective bags and cardboard packaging along with the completed test order and deliver to the following address within 5 days:
Instytut Mikroekologii
Ul. Sielska 6
60-129 Poznań, Poland
Additional costs related to carrying out the research:
- results sent by e-mail are included in the price. If you prefer to receive the results by regular mail in paper version – 15 PLN
- shipping of the collection kit to you – 18 PLN
- courier delivery of material for analysis by your own – price depends on the carrier you choose
- or full package provided by us with medical courier (works only in Poland): shipping of collection kit to you + collection of material from you by medical courier and delivery to our laboratory + results sent by post in paper version – 120 PLN
Contraindications to the test
Absolute contraindications to the test:
- known hypersensitivity to any ingredient of the preparation included in the kit – lactulose.
Conditional contraindications to the test:
- antibiotic therapy currently being taken or in the last 4 weeks,
- colonoscopy, fluoroscopy, small intestine fluoroscopy using the Sellink method in the last 4 weeks,
- age under 7 years, unless the doctor decides otherwise.
How long are the results expected? You will receive the result by e-mail a maximum of 7 days after the samples have been delivered to our laboratory. In the case of a paper version, postage time must be added.
