SIBO TEST PREPARATION – SEATTLE, WA
SIBO TEST PREPARATION
IMPORTANT: Please watch our step-by-step instructional video at least 48 hours before you plan to begin your SIBO test. The video can be found on our home page -> WATCH INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO.
If you cannot comply with these guidelines, the at-home SIBO breath test may not be appropriate for you, and you should discuss other options with your provider.
2-4 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE TEST
- Wait 4 weeks from the time of colonoscopy or enema.
- Wait 2 weeks from the time of last oral antibiotic dose. Exception: if the antibiotics you have been taking are to treat your SIBO, you may test immediately after completing your antibiotic treatment regimen, or as soon as recommended by your provider.
- 2 weeks prior to the test, discontinue antifungal and antimicrobial medications or supplements, and Pepto-Bismol™.
1 WEEK PRIOR TO THE TEST
- Discontinue probiotics, including probiotic foods
- Discontinue stool bulking agents, fiber supplementation, laxatives, and medications that increase or decrease gut motility.
- Reduce total daily magnesium dosage to less than 300 mg/day.
2 DAYS PRIOR TO THE TEST
- Begin restrictive diet (see below) at lunchtime 2 days prior to testing if you are experiencing constipation or have been diagnosed with slow transit. If you are not experiencing these symptoms, 1 day of diet preparation is sufficient (see below).
1 DAY PRIOR TO THE TEST
- Begin restrictive diet (see below) at lunchtime. This should be at least 18 hours before your test begins. For example, if you plan to begin your test at 7:00 am, you should begin the restrictive diet no later than 1:00 pm the day prior to your test.
1 HOUR PRIOR TO THE TEST
- No smoking or vigorous exercise 1 hour prior to, or during, the test.
THE RESTRICTIVE DIET
As its name implies, the “restrictive diet” is somewhat limited. It is limited to lean meats or proteins, which, when metabolized by gut bacteria do not produce the gases, hydrogen or methane, which are both measured in this test. Therefore, consuming these foods will not influence your test results. Carbohydrates are limited to only those carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, which allows them to be rapidly and completely absorbed by your gut when they are consumed. Therefore, the bacteria in your gut never have a chance to metabolize them and produce hydrogen and/or methane, which would complicate the interpretation of the test results. The ideal test preparation would be too fast completely prior to testing, but this not feasible for most patients , and thus, the restrictive diet can be followed instead of fasting. It is critical that you choose only from the foods listed below and do not deviate from the restrictive diet prior to testing. Doing so could produce test results that cannot be interpreted accurately.
The restrictive diet is limited to the following foods:
- Chicken, turkey, fish, eggs
- Clear chicken or meat broth (excluding bouillon and bone broth)
- Hard cheese (Parmesan only)
- White rice
- White bread or plain bagel only. (Avoid specialty grain breads especially those with seeds, nuts, or other slow to digest ingredients and avoid sourdough or other low glycemic index breads)
- Seasoning with salt, pepper, and/or oil only.
OVERNIGHT FAST
After finishing dinner while on the restrictive diet, begin the overnight fast. During most of this period, you should be asleep. However, if you awaken and need food or drink, the only thing that can be consumed is water.
THE MORNING OF THE TEST
Plan to take your breath test immediately after you awaken. Brush your teeth well then rinse your mouth vigorously with water to help remove bacteria from your mouth. Do not eat or drink anything before or during the test. The SIBO breath test will take 3 hours to complete, so plan to do something relaxing during the test such as watching a movie or reading a book. The timing of sample collection is important, so avoid distractions.