Breath Testing – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Why have a breath test?
Symptoms of bloating, wind, reflux, diarrhoea and/or constipation, lethargy and stomach pain/discomfort (which can vary from mild to chronic) are symptoms you may experience. This may be a result of your digestive systems inability to digest certain sugars commonly found in many of the foods we eat. Hydrogen/Methane breath testing can help in diagnosing a malabsorption of these sugars which may then assist with management of symptoms.
How do I make an appointment?
Please phone us on 03 9508 1862 to make a booking. Breath tests are undertaken Monday to Friday from 8.30-11.30am and also 12.00-3.30pm on selected days. A breath test takes 3 hours to complete. You must have a separate appointment for each sugar ie: if your referral request is for lactose and fructose you will need 2 appointments. Appointments cannot be made on consecutive days, there must be at least a day in between.
Is there any preparation prior to a breath test?
Yes, careful preparation is required.
Antibiotics and probiotics (Probiotic yoghurt is permitted until the day prior to your test) are not permitted for 2 weeks prior to testing.
If you have used a bowel preparation for colonoscopy/surgery you must wait at least 1 week before undergoing your breath test.
You must follow a special lactose/fructose free diet on the day prior to you test, we will provide with these diet guidelines at the time of booking your appointment. Failure to follow this diet may result in an inaccurate result. You may need to have your test rescheduled.
What is the testing procedure?
The test is simple and non-invasive. On arrival to MGIU a ‘baseline’ breath sample is taken and analysed to check for adherence to the pre-test diet on the day prior. It is important to note that strict adherence to the diet guidelines are essential in ensuring your breath test results are as accurate as possible.
A sugar solution (250 mls) of either lactose/fructose/lactulose or glucose is then given for you to drink as quickly as possible (within 5 mins). Your referring doctor will specify which of these sugar solutions you are to be tested for.
You breath samples will then be analysed every 30 minutes over a 3 hour period (2 hours for glucose test only). In between “breath samples” you may go for a walk, move your car, visit the gift shop etc as long as you are back in MGIU on the half hour to have your sample taken you are free to come and go.
When will I get my results?
Results are interpreted by A/Professor Henry Debinski Gastroenterologist not the staff performing the test. Results are available from your referring doctor 5 working days following your test. You will not be given a result on the day.
Is the cost of the test covered by Medicare of my private health insurance?
Unfortunately there is no item number attached to Medicare for hydrogen/methane breath testing therefore the full cost of the test is out-of-pocket. Private health insurance does not cover the cost of breath testing.
Do a need a referral?
Yes, a referral can be made by a GP, Specialist or dietician. We require a referral as we need to know what sugar to test for and who to send the result to.
Will a breath test diagnose gluten intolerance?
Breath tests are not used to diagnose gluten intolerance or Coeliac disease.
Can I get a medical certificate for my test?
Yes, we will provide a medical certificate for your breath test appointment only. We will not provide a certificate for the day prior or the day following your test. If required, please request a certificate from staff on the day of your test.
Is there access to wireless internet?
Yes. Please request login details during your test.