A newly published study from Swedish clinical researchers further confirms the diagnostic value of hydrogen and methane breath testing (HMBT) for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)—supporting the core science behind CDI’s non-invasive testing model.
The 2025 study, Refined Lactulose Hydrogen Breath Test for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Diagnosis Based on a Survey Among Experts, analyzed data from 190 subjects across three groups: healthy controls, IBS patients, and individuals predisposed to SIBO. It was published in Gastroenterology Research and Practice in September 2025.
Key Findings:
Strong Support for LHBT Utility in SIBO and IBS Care
The study demonstrated that Lactulose Hydrogen Breath Test (LHBT) can differentiate IBS subtypes and support SIBO diagnosis with clinically meaningful thresholds. Researchers found that 39% of IBS patients met the LHBT criteria for SIBO, and that patients with high breath hydrogen levels experienced improvement after antibiotic treatment.
Refined Parameters for Interpretation
The study identified optimal parameters to improve the diagnostic utility of the LHBT:
- A rise in hydrogen ≥20 ppm within 80 minutes = positive result
- This timing is consistent with but slightly earlier than the North American Consensus threshold of 90 minutes
- Sensitivity and specificity at this threshold were 77% and 88%, respectively for SIBO-predisposed patients
Lactulose Preferred for SIBO Detection
While both glucose and lactulose are used in clinical practice, lactulose remains the preferred substrate for detecting bacterial overgrowth in the distal small intestine—where glucose may not reach. CDI offers both glucose and lactulose substrates, allowing providers to tailor test selection based on clinical presentation.
What This Means for CDI Providers
This study further validates the clinical standards CDI already follows:
- All testing aligns with North American Consensus and ACG Guidelines
- Tests are processed in a CLIA-certified laboratory with 24-hour turnaround
- Lactulose and glucose substrates options are available
- Pediatric GI breath testing and adult GI breath testing options support all patient populations
CDI’s at-home hydrogen and methane breath tests solutions remain essential for evaluating unexplained GI symptoms—particularly in functional GI conditions like IBS, where accurate, non-invasive testing is key to precision care.
To learn more about CDI’s SIBO/IMO and carbohydrate malabsorption testing programs or to connect with our clinical support team, reach out to providerservices@commdx.com or visit CDI’s Provider Resource Center.
