Lactose Malabsorption

Description

This is a simple, non–invasive, breath test that measures for lactose sugar malabsorption. This is a 3-hr long test with 4 breath samples collected (baseline and 1 every hour after drinking lactose solution).

About 70% of the adult world population is lactose-intolerant, hypolactasia, due to low levels of intestinal lactase. Lactose is a disaccharide digested by lactase.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and diarrhea which is commonly mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and/or fungal overgrowths.

By testing both hydrogen and methane, this breath test can help indicate malabsorption of lactose sugars. Many people with hypolactasia can tolerate some lactose‐containing foods with some nutritional counseling and/or digestive support.

What’s Being Tested:
Hydrogen and methane gas for the detection of lactose sugar malabsorption.
This test requires drinking lactose. Patients with known allergies to lactose/ mammalian milks (e.g. cow, sheep, etc.) should not test; consult with health care provider before performing test.

Requirements

Preparation diet (1-2 days) and a 12-hr fast are required.

Time Allowed for Collection

3 Hours

Turn Around Time

1-2 business days (once specimen is received by laboratory).

CPT Codes

Hydrogen 91065 Methane 91066

Additional Resources

Patient Instructions and Videos

Download Lactose Collection Instructions

Lactose Spec Sheet

Return Policy

All test sales are final. Returns may be allowed on a case-by-case basis with no test refundable 30-days of sale.  A $20.00 restocking fee will be assessed for all canceled orders once Neurovanna receives the returned, unused test collection materials. Used collection materials are not returnable.

Quality Control

Neurovanna’s quality control exceeds laboratory equipment manufacture’s recommendations with machinery calibrated after every 2-hrs or 5th test run. Testing performed on a CLIA waived, QuinTron BreathTracker TM Digital MicroLyzer H+. A parallel measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) is obtained with each sample to allow for greater testing precision. All samples are processed using CO2 correction factor technique that reduces errors and improves interpretation.

Allergy/ Medical Warning

Patients with known allergies to lactose/ mammalian milks (e.g. cow, sheep, etc.) should consult with health care provider before performing test.