Find answers to what is causing your Digestive Symptoms
Important notice regarding SIBO Breath Testing Auckland Gut Clinic need to temporarily suspend SIBO breath testing because their breath analyser is being sent to Australia for servicing and will be out of action for approximately 4 weeks from 20 April 2026.
If your test kit has already been returned
Please check your tracking to confirm it has been delivered.
If you or your patient/s have not yet completed the test
Samples must be received by Friday 17 April to ensure they can be analysed before the analyser is sent away.
If you’re unable to return your samples by this date, please defer testing. We will update this page when testing resumes.
We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding – regular servicing is essential to ensure accurate and reliable results.
If your test kit has already been returned
Please check your tracking to confirm it has been delivered.
If you or your patient/s have not yet completed the test
Samples must be received by Friday 17 April to ensure they can be analysed before the analyser is sent away.
If you’re unable to return your samples by this date, please defer testing. We will update this page when testing resumes.
We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding – regular servicing is essential to ensure accurate and reliable results.
FxMed is proud to exclusively partner with Auckland Gut Clinic
Auckland Gut Clinic offer specialist breath testing services in NZ and the only lab to offer the convenience of an at home test kit.
What is SIBO?
Normally, bacteria are found in the trillions in the large intestine, where they perform various functions for the human body.
SIBO is defined as an increase in the number of bacteria, and/or changes in the types of bacteria present in the small intestine.
- In most patients, SIBO is not caused by a single type of bacteria, but an overgrowth of the bacteria that should normally be found in the colon.
Prevalence
- Prevalence estimates are based on a percentage of the population with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This is 11-14% of the population globally and 17% in New Zealand.
- It is the most common gastrointestinal diagnosis in primary care although it is thought that up to 50% of people with symptoms of IBS do not consult their GP.
- Studies also show that over 50% of patients diagnosed with IBS actually have SIBO.
Common Symptoms of SIBO
- Postprandial bloating/abdominal distension with associated discomfort
- Gas and belching
- Food Intolerances
- Constipation (generally associated with methanogenic bacteria)
- Diarrhoea (generally associated with hydrogenic bacteria)
- Immune activation (e.g. food sensitivities)
- Nutrient deficiencies i.e. vitamin B12 & Iron
- Weight loss / weight gain
- Fatigue or brain fog
- Fibromyalgia
SIBO breath test
Breath testing is available through FxMed to make it easier for you to access. It is a simple, non-invasive test that is used to diagnose SIBO. Knowing the type and level of gases produced aids targeted treatment and forms a base line for follow up comparison.
How does the SIBO Breath Test work?
- A restricted diet is required for 24 hours in preparation.
- Following a collection of a baseline breath sample, either a lactulose (or glucose) test substrate is consumed.
- The bacteria may ferment the lingering substrate and produce hydrogen and/or methane. These gases are absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the breath. Breath samples are collected every 15-20 minutes (depending on the substrate used) for up to 3 hours and analysed for the amount of Hydrogen, Methane and CO2 produced.
- This test can be done at home and samples sent to Auckland Gut Clinic for analysis.
Webinars
Webinars
Login to FxLearn to watch webinars presented by Sharon Erdich from the Auckland Gut Clinic.
