lactose breath hydrogen test

Indications

• suspected lactose intolerance

Procedure

• 50 g of labeled lactose is given orally
• 90 minutes later, breath hydrogen is measured

Interpretation

• an increase in breath hydrogen > 20 ppm within 90 minutes of lactose ingestion confirms lactose indigestion

More general terms

• clinical procedure

Additional terms

• lactose intolerance (milk intolerance)