lactose breath hydrogen test

Indications: -> suspected lactose intolerance Procedure: 1) 50 g of labeled lactose is given orally 2) 90 minutes later, breath hydrogen is measured Interpretation: -> an increase in breath hydrogen > 20 ppm within 90 minutes of lactose ingestion confirms lactose indigestion

References

Ferri's Clinical Advisor, Instant Diagnosis and Treatment, Ferri FF (ed), Mosby, Philadelphia, 2003