Breath Hydrogen Testing

  

Breath Hydrogen Testing

 

 

 

Appointment Date & Time:  __________________________________

 

 

Your doctor has asked that you be tested for the sugar circled below.

 

 

Lactose

Sucrose

Fructose

Glucose

 

 

Why am I having this test?

 

A Breath Hydrogen Test will help your doctor decide whether or not your body is able to absorb the sugar circled above.  Only one sugar can be tested at a time.  If you are doing this test for more than one sugar you must allow at least 48 hours between each test.

 

How do I get ready for this test?

1. Do not eat or drink at all for 12 hours before the test.  This also means you can not have any regular or sugar free chewing gum or breath mints.  Avoid foods that produce gas (such as beans) the day before the test.
2. Do not smoke, sleep or exercise for at least one half hour before or during the test.
3. Please arrive 15 minutes before the test to allow time to register and check in at the clinic.  The test will take two to three hours.

How does this test work?

1. The sugar your doctor is testing you for is dissolved in 8 ounces of water.  You will drink this water after a baseline breath sample is collected.
2. You will be asked to blow into a small collection bag.  This will be your baseline breath sample.  A breath sample is collected at the start of the test and then every thirty minutes during the test.
3. The breath sample obtained is put into a machine and analyzed for hydrogen.  Baseline hydrogen should be low.  If your body is unable to absorb the sugar you are being tested for, hydrogen is produced.  A high hydrogen level will be found in your exhaled breath. 
4. Bring something to read or do between sample collection times.

The staff from the Pulmonary Function Lab will give you this test.  If you have questions about this test or need to reschedule, please feel free to contact the Pulmonary Function Lab at (608) 263-7000 between the hours of 8:00a.m. -  4:30p.m.

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 02/28/2011

Copyright © 02/28/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6636

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