Lactose Breath Test

The purpose of this test is to determine whether your body can properly digest lactose (milk sugar).

Fasten for at least 8 hours: do not eat, drink, or smoke.

- The test should preferably be taken in the morning: do not eat anything after 8:00 p.m.

- If the test is scheduled for the afternoon: do not eat anything starting at 6 a.m.

A pre-procedure diet is followed the day before; see also the appendix.

- Do not consume dairy products

- Do not consume alcohol, wine, or beer

- Do not consume high-fiber foods (e.g., grains, seeds, vegetables, whole-grain bread, or fruit)

- Do not consume products containing sugar, such as candy, gum, and fruit juice

Do not take antibiotics for at least 2 weeks before the test.

Do not use laxatives, prebiotics, or probiotics the day before the test.

Do not engage in strenuous physical activity on the day before the test.

You can pick up the test at the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department office and take it at home.

Test duration: 4 hours. Eating, drinking, or smoking is not permitted during the test.

Progress:

1) Blow into the 2TO tubes.

2) Mix the 25 g of lactose with 250 ml of water.

3) Drink the mixture of water and lactose and start a timer.

4) Blow into 2 tubes every 30 minutes (numbered 1 through 8: in chronological order) for 4 hours; if you experience any symptoms (bloating, pain, nausea, vomiting…), please record them on the form (in Appendix 2).

5) You may not drink, eat, or smoke during the test.

6) Take the test while sitting comfortably. Do not engage in any physical activity during the test (or the day before; see also “Conditions”).

7) Weight and height are essential for interpreting the results. Be sure to include this information on the test request form.