Lactose intolerance (breath hydrogen test)
From DoctorMyhill
| Test Details for Ordering | |
|---|---|
| Test | Lactose intolerance (breath hydrogen test) |
| Laboratory | Biolab |
| Price | £115.00 |
| Bloods | No |
| To order this test, go to Ordering Tests. Please, make sure you have read When not to use this website to ascertain whether having this test is an appropriate and safe course of action for you. | |
DESCRIPTION
I occasionally recommend this test if I suspect lactose intolerance. This is a very common problem after weaning - 10% of Caucasians suffer from it, about 90% of Asians! In Africa lactose intolerance is so common that all milks are fermented before being consumed.
Lactose intolerance is different from milk allergy. It usually causes wind and farting with tummy discomfort as a result.
This test measures hydrogen levels in the breath following ingestion of lactose (milk sugar). Lactose, which is a simple sugar, is normally broken down and absorbed so none of it reaches the colon. Therefore, little or no increase in breath hydrogen of a healthy person occurs after eating it. If lactose reaches the colon because it has not been properly digested, the bacteria in the gut ferment it and hydrogen is produced. This is reflected a few minutes later by an increase in breath hydrogen.
A low dose of the test substance (lactose) is used in order to avoid symptoms of intolerance occurring.
It is not essential to do this test if you suspect lactose intolerance. Simple avoidance of lactose is the diagnosis and treatment.
SAMPLE
For this test the patient must attend the laboratory - Biolab Medical Unit in Weymouth Street, London
KIT
This is a non-invasive test done at Biolab Medical Unit in London. The patient must attend the laboratory, Biolab Medical Unit at 9 Weymouth Street, London W1N 3FF. It is necessary to have a referral from me (you obtain it by clicking Order at the bottom of this page) - Biolab will not accept self-referrals from patients. Then please make an appointment for the test by ringing the laboratory - the telephone number is 0207 636 5905.
INSTRUCTIONS
The patient is required to fast for 14 hours prior to the test. First the normal fasting level of breath hydrogen is measured. After the patient has drunk lactose in water solution, three further measurements of hydrogen level are made 15, 90 and 120 minutes later.
- Please note that there is an additional interpretation fee for my letter to your GP. See Ordering Tests for more details.
