The aim of a hydrogen breath test is to help diagnose certain gastrointestinal conditions that can cause you to experience abdominal bloating, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort.
What is a Hydrogen Breath Test?
It is a safe diagnostic non-invasive test that measures hydrogen levels in the air that you breathe out. The two conditions that hydrogen breathe test can identify are,
- Lactose intolerance – this is when the body is unable to digest the lactose sugar found in dairy products
- An overgrowth of bacteria in the bowel
How do I prepare for the test?
Please follow the instructions below to ensure your breath test can proceed and an accurate reading can be obtained.
Four weeks prior to the test
- Do not take antibiotics for 4 weeks before your test as this could make the test invalid. If you are taking or have been taking antibiotics please contact PIU and discuss with one of the nursing staff.
- Do not have a colonoscopy, fluoroscopy, or any full bowel cleansing preparation. If you have had one 4 weeks prior to the test please inform a member of staff on PIU.
One week prior to the test
- Do not take any laxatives, vitamins or fibre supplements containing fructose flavourings or lactose fillers.
- Do not take any probiotics as these could introduce bacteria into your abdomen which could provide us with an inaccurate reading.
- Do not take proton pump inhibitors and hydrogen blockers (omeprazole or lansoprazole).
24 hours before the test
Diet– please follow the guidance below on foods to avoid and to have,
Foods to avoid – high fibre foods like wholemeal bread, pasta, nuts, seeds, beans, bran, milk, grains and cereals, large quantities of fruit or vegetables and dairy products.
Food and drinks containing high fructose corn syrup and sugar free foods, ketchup, honey, mustard, or mayonnaise.
What you can do
The following food is permitted
- Baked or grilled seafood, chicken, or turkey,
- Eggs, plain white rice,
- Plain tea or coffee (no milk),
- Minimal oils, or salt and pepper.
12 hours prior to your test
You will need to fast 12 hours before your test, do not have anything to eat or drink apart from water. If you take medication this can still be taken with sips of water.
If you are diabetic your medication/insulin may need to be altered but this should have been discussed with you before the test, if you have any concerns please contact PIU and speak to a nurse.
Please do not smoke tobacco products or e-cigarettes on the day of the procedure either before or during the hydrogen breath test.
Understanding the procedure
An initial breath sample will be taken by you blowing into a hand-held machine through a small tube. You will then be given a sugary solution (lactulose 300mls) to drink. After this further breath samples will be taken every 15 minutes for the first 90 minutes of the test and then every 30 minutes for the remaining time. The whole procedure takes 2-3 hours.
What are the benefits?
The results obtained from this test will guide your doctor on how best to treat the symptoms you are experiencing.
What are the risks?
There are no significant risks associated with this test. It is possible for you to experience abdominal cramp, diarrhoea and/or flatulence due to the sugary solution you were required to drink prior to the test.
When will I know the results?
A report of the results of your test will be sent to your consultant on the day of the test, the consultant will then interpret those results and will send you and your GP a letter within 1- 2 weeks explaining the results and what treatments if any are required.
How to contact us?
If you decide you do not want to have the procedure for any reason please contact the PIU department as soon as possible informing them of your decision and rebook an alternative date. Please be mindful that by not having your procedure could result in worsening of your symptoms. If you have any other special requirements please don’t hesitate to contact the PIU department and have a discussion with a member of staff to see if they can help.
If you need more advice or would just like to have a chat about your procedure please contact PIU nursing team or your consultants secretary on telephone 0191 4452626.
Procedure and investigation department (PIU) telephone 0191 4452824 or 0191 4453808 – phone lines open 9:00 am – 3:30pm (Mon-Fri).
If you have any questions regarding anything raised in this leaflet, please discuss with your doctor or nurse before the procedure begins.