“I live in Prince George, do I need to come to your office, or is it possible for me to do this test at home?”
Testing is available in the comfort of your own home. Have your doctor approve the test. Order a SIBO test kit with instructions. Send it back to us and we test it. Results will be provided. Some consultation services are available by telephone.
“Do I need a physician or doctor to order this test”
A physician will be required to interpret the results with you and provide appropriate treatments. Many times treatment will involve prescription medication and requires close monitoring and follow-up.
How accurate is this test?
Test accuracy (commonly referred to as sensitivity) is approximately 80% in detecting bacterial overgrowth. The specificity of this test is a little more tricky to determine as we are not measuring the bacteria directly, only the gas that they produced. Some of the accuracy of the testing is lost because some bacteria also produce other by products that are not assessed with breath testing.
Is there anything else this test assesses for?
Yes! Because so many samples are taken and tested (10 samples) we can also assess the digestive systems transit time. This is how fast or slow the stomach or intestines are moving. Although this is not the primary measurement of this test, it does provide additional information about your digestion.
How long does treatment for SIBO take?
SIBO treatment duration can vary significantly from person to person, this is again why it is best to work with a knowledgeable physician. A typical treatment course from beginning to end may be 3 to 6 months.
Why does treatment take so long and require follow up testing?
The bacterial treatment portion is actually quite short. It can be as little as 7 days. Re-establishing normal small intestinal motility (movement) so that the bacteria do not regrow is the part that takes time.
Do I need to follow a special diet?
Diet strategies for SIBO are well established, however food elimination for individuals is the part that can get complicated. Again, this is where a knowledgeable physician may be able to help!