Hydrogen Methane Breath
HMBR
Description
"Hydrogen Methane Breath" test analyzes breath gases to detect small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or carbohydrate malabsorption. After drinking a sugar solution, your breath is tested at intervals to see how your body processes it. Elevated hydrogen or methane suggests digestive imbalance or bacterial overgrowth. Doctors use this test when symptoms like bloating, gas, or diarrhea are present. Results help guide treatment plans like dietary changes, probiotics, or antibiotics for gut health improvement.
Test Category
GI Tract Function
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
Breath
Units
Parts Per Million
Procedure Category
Measure
Test Group
Chronic Illness Group
Test Group Description
Chronic Illness Group: This group encompasses a range of tests specifically tailored to assess markers associated with chronic health conditions, providing comprehensive insights into the management and monitoring of chronic illnesses.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: Hydrogen: <20.00 ppm [90 minutes] | Methane: <10.00 ppm
SI Unit: Hydrogen: <20.00 ppm [90 minutes] | Methane: <10.00 ppm
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: Hydrogen: ≥20.00 ppm [90 minutes] | Methane: ≤10.00 ppm
SI Unit: Hydrogen: ≥20.00 ppm [90 minutes] | Methane: ≤10.00 ppm
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Crohn's disease (Inflammatory bowel disease affecting any part of the gastrointestinal tract)
Excess hydrogen sulfide
Intestinal methanogenic overgrowth (Excessive growth of methane-producing bacteria in the intestines)
Irritable bowel syndrome (Functional disorder causing abdominal pain and altered bowel habits)
Malabsorption syndromes (Conditions impairing nutrient absorption in the intestines)
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Ulcerative colitis (Chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon and rectum)
Key Reasons For Testing
SIBO Diagnosis: Detects small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) through hydrogen and methane gas measurements.
Carbohydrate Malabsorption: Identifies issues like lactose or fructose intolerance by analyzing gas levels post-carbohydrate ingestion.
Gastrointestinal Motility: Assesses intestinal transit time and motility disorders through gas production patterns.
Treatment Monitoring: Tracks therapy success for SIBO or malabsorption with repeat testing.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Pimentel M, Saad RJ, Rao SS, et al. American College of Gastroenterology Clinical Guideline: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. Am J Gastroenterol. 2020;115(2):165-178.
[2] Rezaie A, Buresi M, Lembo A, Lin H, McCallum R, Rao S, Schmulson M, Valdovinos MA, Zakko S, Pimentel M. Hydrogen and Methane-Based Breath Testing in Gastrointestinal Disorders: The North American Consensus. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112(5):775-784.
[3] Ghoshal UC, Shukla R, Ghoshal U, et al. The North American Consensus on Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing—An Indian Perspective. Indian J Gastroenterol. 2019;38(5):383-392.
[4] Simren M, Stotzer PO. Use and abuse of hydrogen breath tests. Gut. 2006;55(3):297-303.
[5] Furnari M, Parodi A, Gemignani L, et al. Lactose malabsorption and intolerance: The role of hydrogen breath test. Nutrients. 2019;11(4):743.
[6] Rana SV, Malik A. Hydrogen breath tests in gastrointestinal diseases. Indian J Clin Biochem. 2014;29(4):398-405.
[7] Ford AC, Spiegel BM, Talley NJ, Moayyedi P. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2009;7(12):1279-1286.
[8] Sahakian AB, Jee SR, Pimentel M. Methane and the gastrointestinal tract. Dig Dis Sci. 2010;55(8):2135-2143.
[9] Di Stefano M, Mengoli C, Bergonzi M, Miceli E, Pagani E, Corazza GR. Hydrogen breath test in the diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: accuracy of new interpretation criteria. Gastroenterology. 2014;146(3):856-863.
[10] de Lacy Costello BP, Ledochowski M, Ratcliffe NM. The importance of methane breath testing: a review. J Breath Res. 2013;7(2):024001.
[11] Keller J, Franke A, Storr M, Wiedbrauck F, Schaefer K. Clinical relevance of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in children with intestinal failure. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2008;47(6):678-682.
[12] Erdogan A, Rao SS, Gulley D, Jacobs C. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: Duodenal aspiration vs. glucose breath test. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2015;27(4):481-489.
[13] Reddymasu SC, Sostarich S, McCallum RW. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in obesity: a case-control study. Dig Dis Sci. 2010;55(10):2925-2929.