At SIBO & IBS Clinics we offer functional medicine digestive testing to help investigate any factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and influencing your health, or to check progress.
SIBO Breath test
As SIBO specialists we often use the SIBO breath test for clarity and precision.
If you are considering a SIBO Breath test but not sure if it’s worth it, then we would definitely recommend it is something you complete as an efficient supplement or antibiotic plan designed to address SIBO will be dependant on whether you are hydrogen or methane dominant or whether the test indicates you have hydrogen sulfide SIBO. Testing is the only way to find this out. If you suspect you may have SIBO you may find our dedicated SIBO page helpful.
Our SIBO lab test
We use a reputable licensed lab to ensure you get the best experience when testing. Our SIBO lab runs regular quality controls, equipment checks and takes their quality program a step further by participating in blind proficiency tests external to themselves. These quality checks provide additional assurances about the accuracy of the test and guards against potential variations in shipping and environmental influences.
Stool testing
As well as a SIBO Breath test we often recommend a stool test. We have run thousands of stool tests and are well versed in interpreting and addressing any imbalances that are found.
The stool test we tend to favour includes many markers that the NHS are acquainted with which helps your GP to take us seriously. We look at calprotectin which assesses inflammation in the gut, faecal fat to assess whether fat is being absorbed, and pancreatic lipase to check pancreatic digestive function, as well as occult (hidden) blood which can indicate more serious digestive issues.
Our stool test also looks at immune function in the gut via Secretory IgA, protein digestion, permeability, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), Helicobacter pylori, and we delve into the Microbiome via PCR testing – simply meaning looking at the DNA of bacteria, yeasts and parasites.
Good and bad bacteria
We hear a lot about good bacteria these days such as the well-known lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium. But the world of bad bacteria and imbalanced bacteria, called bacterial diversity and abundance, is currently exploding as research speeds up and informs us about the role these different bacteria play in our health. For example, we know that some bacteria are associated with the production of hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen, or methane, and knowing which bacteria are present in the large intestine helps to build an overall digestive picture.
It really is worth checking this – we often see results showing a positive result for Clostridium difficile that the NHS had missed for years, resulting in acute episodes of diarrhoea and low energy. Once we had found the root cause of this patients digestive issues, we could make the right decisions along with our resident private doctor about their options for treatment.
Parasites
Most of our stool tests also check for parasites. You may not be aware but many people host parasites, and although new research shows some parasites are actually beneficial for health – such as hookworm for treating MS – many are detrimental to health, such as Giardia, associated with sulphurous flatulence and significant negative effect on energy levels.
Other parasites such as Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocytis hominis can also be associated with digestive issues, but are commonly missed out by NHS parasite tests. Again – our up to date DNA test is worth doing. Earlier this year a tapeworm was identified in a patient’s stool test, and despite being slightly unnerved they were relieved to find one of the causes of their digestive issues. Their NHS test missed this and left them with a diagnosis of IBS and an outlook of a lifetime of ill health. Thankfully the tapeworm was removed and digestive health restored.
Yeasts
Candida albicans is the most widely recognised yeast but its only one of 20 strains of Candida along with other yeasts such as Geotricham Microsporidium and Rodotorula. Our DNA test checks for yeast and as it is now known that SIFO (small intestine fungal overgrowth) can have the same symptoms as SIBO, it’s important to rule this in or out. This allows us to make the best choices for you regarding your dietary and supplement plan. We can refer you to our doctor for antibiotics if that is your preference, and if needed they can add in antifungals as well.
Please note the cost of digestive testing is in addition to the cost of consultations.
To find out more about getting digestive testing and support for your digestive health issue book a FREE discovery call with a member of our specialist team.
FAQ
Q1: What digestive tests do you recommend?
As part of your consultation, we recommend and help arrange a range of specialist functional medicine tests including SIBO breath testing, comprehensive DNA stool analysis (covering the full gut microbiome, parasites, yeasts, bacteria, and inflammatory markers), and the Advanced Intestinal Barrier Assessment (AIBA) for leaky gut. The right tests for you are identified during your consultation.
Q2: How does a SIBO breath test work?
After a short preparation period, you drink a sugar solution (lactulose or glucose), then breathe into collection tubes at regular intervals over 2–3 hours. The samples are sent to our specialist licensed lab, which measures hydrogen and methane gas levels to determine whether SIBO is present and which type. Knowing your SIBO type (hydrogen, methane, or hydrogen sulphide) is essential for choosing the right treatment approach.
Q3: Can I do a SIBO breath test if I am lactose intolerant?
Yes. Many people confuse lactulose (used in SIBO breath tests) with lactose. Lactulose is a mixture of galactose and fructose — it is not dairy-derived and is safe for people with lactose or dairy intolerance.
Q4: What does a stool test show?
Our DNA-based stool test analyses the gut microbiome via PCR technology. It checks for all known parasites (including dientamoeba fragilis and blastocystis hominis, which are commonly missed by NHS tests), bacteria including Helicobacter pylori and Clostridium difficile, all strains of candida and other yeasts, and inflammatory markers including calprotectin, SIgA, and faecal fat. It covers 50 markers in total.
Q5: How is testing arranged?
We do not sell tests directly. Testing is recommended and arranged as part of your consultation with one of our nutritional therapists. The cost of tests is in addition to consultation fees. Your practitioner will guide you through the process from selection to interpretation of results.
Q6: Do you interpret test results?
Yes — interpreting test results and incorporating them into your personalised programme is a core part of what we do. If you already have test results from another provider, you can book a 90-minute initial consultation to have these reviewed and incorporated into your plan from the very first session.