Sample collection
Breath collection guide
A SIBO breath test. Follow the schedule closely and complete each tube in order so your samples can be processed correctly.
At a glance
Label the tubes in order before you start.
Follow the collection schedule closely.
Puncture each tube only once, during a single exhale.
Enter your collection details online to activate.
Before you collect, check these.
- Do not use if you are allergic to lactulose or on a galactose/lactose restricted diet. Diabetics should proceed with caution.
- Do not collect during an acute infectious illness.
- If you weigh less than 100 pounds, follow the instructions printed on the blue bag.
- Do not use for children under 25 pounds.
- Consult your healthcare provider about stopping medications and supplements before collection.
Step 1
Prepare and time your collection
Plan to collect early in the workweek and ship within 2 days of collection. Review the timing below and adjust before you begin.
4 weeks before
Wait at least 4 weeks after a colonoscopy or barium enema.
2 to 4 weeks before
Wait 2 to 4 weeks after your last dose of antibiotics, antifungals, Pepto-Bismol, or herbal/natural antimicrobial products.
7 days before
Do not use laxatives, stool softeners, stool bulking agents, or antacids containing aluminum or magnesium hydroxide.
24 hours before
Limit your diet to: unbrined and uncured meat, poultry, fish, or seafood; plain steamed white rice; eggs; clear meat broth (no bone, cartilage, or vegetables); fats and oils (coconut, olive, or vegetable oil, butter, or lard); salt and pepper only; weak black coffee or weak black tea (no sweeteners, cream, green, or herbal teas); and plain water (no mineral water or additives). Do not take probiotics.
12 hours before and during
Do not eat or drink anything other than water. Do not take non-essential medications or supplements unless your doctor advises otherwise. Do not chew gum, eat candy, or use mouthwash or toothpaste.
1 hour before and during
Do not smoke or inhale second-hand smoke. Do not sleep or exercise. Do not eat or drink during the collection. Water is okay after you collect Tube 5.
Step 2
Create your schedule
Collecting in the morning is often easiest, but any time works as long as you keep to the intervals. Note your start time, then plan each collection below.
| Tube | When to complete | Your time |
|---|---|---|
| Do not eat or drink anything for 1 hour before and during the collection. | ||
| Tube 1 | Start of collection | |
| Tube 2 | Immediately after Tube 1 | |
| After Tube 2, mix the lactulose into 8 ounces of water and drink it. | ||
| Tube 3 | 20 minutes after the drink | |
| Tube 4 | 20 minutes after Tube 3 | |
| Tube 5 | 20 minutes after Tube 4 | |
| Drinking water is okay during the remaining time. | ||
| Tube 6 | 30 minutes after Tube 5 | |
| Tube 7 | 30 minutes after Tube 6 | |
| Tube 8 | 30 minutes after Tube 7 | |
| Tube 9 | 30 minutes after Tube 8 | |
Step 3
Collect each breath sample
Repeat these steps for every tube, following your schedule. Watch the video first if you can.
Watch the collection video- 1Before Tube 1, brush your teeth and tongue using only water, then rinse.
- 2Write your details on the numbered label and apply the labels to the tubes in order.
- 3Grip the device at the blue band in your non-dominant hand.
- 4Take a normal breath and hold it for 5 seconds.
- 5Complete the tube with one continuous exhale. Begin breathing out normally into the device, keeping the bag inflated (extra air escapes through a small hole). Mid-exhale, press the tube hard onto the full length of the needle and hold firmly for 2 seconds. After you remove the tube, stop exhaling and place the labeled tube in the bubble wrap bag.
Reminders. Do not put your fingers in the device opening; there is a sharp needle inside. Do not smoke, sleep, exercise, or use toothpaste or mouthwash until all collections are complete. Label the tubes before collecting. Your breath will not be visible in the tubes, and you should not open the glass tubes.
Step 4
Activate & return
Activate your test online
Activate online to provide important information about your collection, and keep a copy of your activation number for reference.
Activate your test at gdx.net/activatePackage and return your collection
- 1Confirm each tube has a label with your date of birth and the date and time of collection.
- 2Seal the tubes inside the bubble wrap bags and place them in the collection box.
- 3Include the label sheet with any extra labels in the box.
- 4Seal the box inside the shipping bag, attach the shipping label, and drop it off at an authorized FedEx location.