Food Intolerance Testing
What happens on the day of your breath testing?
After arrival at the Cambridge Specialist Centre you will meet our testing staff who will explain the test in more detail and answer any questions that you may have.
Breath hydrogen (or methane) will be measured on a small device. You will then drink a small drink of lactulose, fructose or lactose. Breath testing is repeated every 15 minutes until a test is clearly positive or for a maximum of 3 hours. Any symptoms you experience during that time will also be recorded by the testing staff.
What happens after breath testing has completed?
You will be able to return to your normal activities and diet after the testing has finished. The information gathered will be interpreted by Dr Melissa Haines, who are gastroenterologists with specific training in the interpretation of diagnostic breath test results. Your doctor will inform you of the test results and refer you to a dietician to give you individualized dietary advice.
Please note that there may be a delay of up to a week to obtain results from methane gas testing as the sealed bags of gas are sent to Auckland for analysis.
Safety and Risks
Breath testing is a very safe and non-invasive test. The lactose and fructose that you are given are naturally occurring carbohydrates which are given in very small concentrations. Some people do experience mild symptoms of loose stools, bloating, wind and abdominal discomfort when there is malabsorption of the ingested carbohydrate.
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Booking a consultation
Get in touch today with one of our team and we’ll arrange a time that suits you to see one of our specialists.