HYDROGEN BREATH TESTING

WHAT ARE THESE TESTS FOR?
Do you suffer symptoms such as abdominal bloating, wind (flatulence), reflux, diarrhoea and/or constipation, and lethargy? These issues may be the result of your digestive system’s inability to digest certain sugars found in many of the foods we eat. Breath Hydrogen and Methane testing are used in the diagnosis of such intolerances and therefore assist in the future treatment and management of these symptoms.

It is useful for people who have symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, wheat intolerance and dairy or lactose intolerances.  It can help identify conditions such as fructose malabsorption and lactose intolerance.

HOW DO THE TESTS WORK?
The procedure for each test (fructose, lactose, lactulose and  glucose) is simple.You need to peform each breath test on a different day. Tests can be done on consecutive days. When you attend each breath test appointment you will be given a hydrogen breathalyser type device to breathe into. This first sample is recorded, then you will be given a sugar solution to drink, after which another breath sample will be taken from you every 15 minutes over the next  2~3 hours. Many people complete the tests for Lactulose, Fructose and Lactose within 2 hours, although some take around 3 hours. The Glucose test takes 1 hour to complete.  Your referring practitioner will describe which of the test sugars  (Fructose,Lactose or Glucose - or any combination of these) you  are to do. However, a practice test, (a Lactulose test) must be performed prior to any of these test sugars, to make sure you produce enough hydrogen gas. If you are a low- or non-hydrogen producer with Lactulose, you will be changed from the breathalyser device to inflatable bags during the course of your test as these bags allow us to also measure methane gas. This will ensure that we capture whichever
type of gas (hydrogen or methane) you produce. Tests take place every day except Sunday, with starting times between 8am and 11am.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THESE TESTS?
A restricted diet must be followed a full day prior to each test. A description of this diet is provided to you after you book for the tests. You must follow the diet strictly in order for the results of your tests to be usable.

ANTIBIOTICS - MEDICATIONS
You must not take antibiotics for 2 weeks prior to testing. Please notify test staff if you have taken antibiotics any time during the preceding 4 weeks.

Anti-depressants and The Contraceptive Pill
These do not need to be ceased. Please take as per usual.

WHERE DO I GO TO HAVE THESE TESTS?
The breath hydrogen and methane tests are performed at various centres in Victoria, including Box Hill Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology.  

BOX HILL HOSPITAL TESTING CENTRE:
Directions:
On Nelson Rd, Box Hill; Melway Map 47 C8
Car Parking: Ticket Machines in streets or Car park at Epworth Eastern Hospital, on Arnold St, near corner of Nelson Road.
Enter Hospital Main Entrance on Nelson Rd, follow grey carpet past Reception and turn left to Blue Lifts. Go up to Level 3, turn left as you exit lift, then immediately left again. Sign on wall ahead says “G.I. Physiology Laboratory”. Follow corridor to Lab, halfway along hall.

DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S REFERRAL FOR THESE TESTS?
At Box Hill Hospital testing centre, you don’t need to provide a referral for these tests, but we do require that you provide us with the details of a qualified medical practitioner to which we can forward your test results. As these tests relate to a complex range of issues, it is advisable that you are guided by practitioners who are experienced in the area of gastrointestinal disorders.

WHAT DO I DO AFTER I GET MY RESULTS BACK?
A medical practitioner with experience in these conditions is essential to guide you as to how to make changes to your diet and lifestyle. If you make bookings using a referral  from your GP, specialist or dietitian, then we will request your medical practitioner's details from you at the time you book, and will send them an information pack prior to your results being processed.  This will assist in working with your referring practitioner to help provide you with the best treatment options after your breath test(s).

HOW DO I MAKE BREATH TEST APPOINTMENTS?
PHONE: Call the Breath Test Bookings phone line on (03) 9895 0316. If you have a referral please ensure it is with you when you call.
FAX: You or your referring practitioner can fax your referral to us on Fax: (03) 9895 0352.
EMAIL: gastro@boxhill.org.au (include your full name, date of birth and a daytime contact phone number in your email message).
POST: Mail your referral or enquiry to:
Breath Tests, Dept of Gastroenterology, Level 8 - Clive Ward Centre, 16 Arnold St, Box Hill 3128

For information about appointments with a dietitian click here