Bloating Isn’t Normal—Find Out Why with Genova’s SIBO Test
If you constantly feel bloated, gassy, or uncomfortable after meals, the problem might not be what you're eating—but what’s happening in your small intestine. Genova’s SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) Test is a non-invasive, at-home breath test that identifies whether excess bacteria in your small intestine is disrupting your digestion, absorption, and overall gut health.
By measuring hydrogen and methane gas levels after consuming a sugar solution, this test detects bacterial overgrowth that can’t be seen with standard stool or blood tests. It’s fast, easy, and incredibly insightful.
Who is it best for?
People with persistent bloating and gas – Especially within 1–2 hours after eating.
Those with IBS symptoms – SIBO is a root cause in over 50% of IBS cases.
Individuals with unexplained constipation or diarrhea – Or a pattern of alternating between the two.
Patients with nutrient deficiencies – Bacterial overgrowth can impair absorption of iron, B12, and more.
Those who don’t feel better on special diets – If restrictive eating hasn’t solved the problem, it may be SIBO.
Post-antibiotic or food poisoning recovery – SIBO can develop after disruptions to normal gut flora.
Stop chasing symptoms and start targeting the root cause.
With Genova’s SIBO Test, your provider can create a precise treatment plan to reduce overgrowth, rebalance your gut, and help you finally feel relief.
Get the answers your gut has been trying to tell you—breathe easy with Genova’s SIBO Test.
 
 
IMPORTANT PREP BEFORE PATIENT TAKES TEST
 
2-4 WEEKS BEFORE THE TEST:
Wait 4 weeks from your last dose of antibiotics, colonoscopy or barium enema.
Wait at least 2-4 weeks from your last dose of antifungals, Pepto-Bismol™ or herbal/natural antimicrobial products.
7 DAYS BEFORE THE TEST:
Avoid the use of laxatives, stool  softeners, and/or stool bulking agents as well as antacids containing aluminum or magnesium hydroxide.
24 HOURS BEFORE THE TEST:
Foods you CAN eat before you start your 12 hour fast:
Baked or broiled chicken, fish or turkey (salt and pepper only), white bread (only), plain steamed white rice, eggs, clear chicken or beef broth with no vegetable pieces, water, plain coffee, or tea (no sugar/ artificial sweeteners or cream). 
Vegetarians may have tofu with salt and pepper.
Do not take probiotics.
12 HOURS BEFORE THE TEST:
Fast for 12 hours prior to the test. Do not eat or drink anything other than water for 12 hours prior and during the test. 
Do not take non-essential medications or supplements until the test is completed, unless your physician has advised you otherwise. Do not chew gum, eat candy, or use mouthwash until the test is completed.
1 HOUR BEFORE THE TEST: 
No smoking, including second-hand smoke, for at least 1 hour before or at any time during the breath test. 
No sleeping or vigorous exercise for at least 1 hour before or at any time during the breath test.
Do Not Use Toothpaste.
Special Instructions for patients weighing 100 pounds or less:
Follow the instructions on the blue bag for rolling and stapling the bag in accordance with weight. (Note: stapling will not damage the bag or affect the results).
 
Important Things to Know and Consider:
This test uses lactulose; since lactulose contains galactose and lactose, it is not recommended for individuals who have had allergic reactions to lactulose, or who are on a galactose/ lactose restricted diet. It should be used with caution in diabetics.
 
Do not open, remove, or loosen tops of collection tubes–this will break the vacuum and make it impossible to perform your test. Do not stick your finger into the mouthpiece/plastic bag – there is a sharp needle inside.
 
We do not suggest collecting during an acute infectious illness. This collection is extremely time-sensitive. You need to carefully plan the morning around these timed collections. An uninterrupted 3 hours is ideal.
 
Use the Breath Collection Schedule Table on the front of the Requisition to help you schedule your collection times. Be sure you fill in the Table as the test progresses.
 
Specimen Requirements
 
SIBO 3 Hr - Eight fasting breath samples, taken at Baseline, 20 minutes, 40 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 120 minutes, 150 minutes, and 180 minutes