INSTRUCTIONS FOR BREATH HYDROGEN TEST - Bacterial Overgrowth Test-SIBO - Preparation diet instructions

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Asher

Instructions for a Breath Hydrogen test to assess bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) outline required preparation before the procedure. The document specifies scheduling details, prep timing, and strict fasting rules: avoid foods for 24 hours before the test, then follow a 12-hour NPO period with only water allowed. It also lists behaviors to avoid (smoking, sleeping, vigorous exercise, eating or chewing after the NPO start time) and notes that recent antibiotics, runny diarrhea, or colonoscopies may interfere, requiring staff consultation or rescheduling.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Patient Preparation Instructions

24-Hour Diet (Begin 24 Hours Prior)

12-Hour NPO Diet (Nothing by Mouth)

During the Test: Restrictions and Safety Notes

Foods to Avoid (24-Hour Diet List)

Dinner Before the Test (Last Meal Suggestions)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BREATH HYDROGEN TEST Bacterial Overgrowth Test-SIBO Patient Name: _____________________________________Date: _______________________ Time of Procedure: ____________________ Time of Prep: ________________ Arrival Time: _________________________ Location: Birns Gloger, Witten & Bhinder MD-ROCKVILLE OFFICE ONLY 9711 Medical Center Dr Rockville, Maryland 20850 P) 301-251-1244 option 3 A Breath Hydrogen test is preformed to determine if you have Bacterial Overgrowth. The test takes about 3 hours you will have 24 hours of Preparation for this exam. Please read through the following instructions prior to preparing for this exam. First 12 hours of prep: 24 hour Diet Date: Time: Patients should avoid foods listed for 24 hours prior to the test. Second 12 hours of prep: NPO Diet Date: Time: Patients should be NPO (nothing by mouth) 12 hours prior to the test. Only water may be consumed. 􀁸 No smoking including second hand smoke for at least 1 hour before or at any time during the test. 􀁸 No sleeping or vigorous exercise for at least 1 hour before or at any time during the test 􀁸 Recent antibiotic therapy, runny diarrhea or colonoscopies may affect the breath tests, therefore medical staff and physicians should consult with patients about these conditions prior to performing any test. If any of the above conditions apply, please reschedule. Drinking water only during your breath test is allowed in moderation Even though patients are NPO for 12 hours prior to the test, it is also required to avoid certain foods at least another 12 hours prior to the NPO diet. BEGIN THIS DIET 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE TEST Date: Time: (24 HOUR DIET) FOODS TO AVOID GRAIN PRODUCTS: Pastas, whole grain products (including cereals and Melba toast), brans or high-fiber cereals. FRUITS: Fruit juices, applesauce, apricots, bananas, cantaloupe, canned fruit cocktail, grapes, honeydew melon, peaches, watermelon, Raw and dried fruits like raisins and berries. Yogurt containing fruit. VEGTABLES: Vegetable juices, potatoes, alfalfa sprouts, beets green/yellow beans, carrots, celery, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, green/ red peppers, squash, zucchini. VEGETABLES FROM THE CRUCIFFEROUS FAMILY: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard, beans, lentils, corn. NUTS, SEEDS, BEANS: All nuts, seeds and beans as well as foods that may contain seeds. ALL DAIRY PRODUCTS (EXCEPT EGGS): Milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, butter. MEATS, PASTAS, CORN OR PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN CORN DINNER FOR THE NIGHT BEFORE THE TEST Date: Time: Suggestions for the last meal to consume prior to NPO diet: Baked or broiled chicken or turkey. (Salt and pepper only) Baked or broiled fish. (Salt and pepper only) Plain steamed white rice Eggs Clear chicken or beef broth. 12 HOURS PRIOR TO THE EXAM – NOTHING BY MOUTH (NPO DIET) Date: Time: BE VERY CAREFUL TO NOT EAT, DRINK, SMOKE OR CHEW AFTER THE ABOVE TIME. THIS CAN ALTER THE RESULTS OF THE TEST. REVISED 2015-HYDSIBO

FAQs

How should patients prepare during the first 12 hours before the Breath Hydrogen test?

Patients must avoid the listed foods for 24 hours prior to the test. The document emphasizes beginning the restricted diet 24 hours before the procedure.

What are the rules for the 12 hours immediately before the test (NPO)?

Patients must be NPO (nothing by mouth) for 12 hours before the test, and only water may be consumed. No eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing is allowed after the NPO start time because it can alter results.

Which situations require medical staff to consult or a reschedule before performing the test?

Recent antibiotic therapy, runny diarrhea, or colonoscopies may affect breath test outcomes. If any apply, medical staff and physicians should consult with the patient, and rescheduling may be necessary.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Asher