Lactose tolerance tests measure the ability of your intestines to break down lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
See also: Lactose intolerance
Alternative NamesHydrogen breath test for lactose tolerance
How the test is performedTwo common methods include:
The hydrogen breath test is the preferred method. It measures the amount of hydrogen in the air you breathe out.
You will be asked to breathe into a balloon-type container. Then, you will be asked to drink a flavored liquid containing lactose. Samples of your breath are collected at set time periods and the hydrogen level is checked. Normally, very little hydrogen is in your breath. But if your body has trouble breaking down and absorbing lactose, hydrogen levels increase.
The lactose tolerance blood test looks for glucose in your blood. Your body creates glucose when lactose breaks down. For this test, several blood samples will be taken before and after you drink the lactose solution described above. For information on how a blood sample is obtained, see venipuncture.
How to prepare for the testYou should not eat for 8 hours before the test. Avoid strenuous exercise for 8 hours before the test.
How the test will feelThere should not be any pain or discomfort when giving a breath sample.
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedYour doctor may order these tests if you have signs of lactose intolerance.
Normal ValuesThe breath test is considered normal if the increase in hydrogen is less than 12 parts per million over your fasting (pre-test) level.
The blood test is considered normal if your glucose level rises more than 30 mg/dL within 2 hours of drinking the lactose solution. A rise of 20-30 mg/dL is inconclusive.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanAbnormal results may be a sign of lactose intolerance.
A breath test result that shows a rise in hydrogen content of 12 parts per million (ppm) over your pre-test level is considered positive, and means you may have trouble breaking down lactose.
The blood test is considered abnormal if your glucose level rises less than 20 mg/dL within 2 hours of drinking the lactose solution.
An abnormal test should be followed by a glucose tolerance test to rule out a problem with the body's ability to absorb glucose.
What the risks areVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
Hogenauer C, Hammer HF. Maldigestion and malabsorption. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 98.
To determine if your child is lactose intolerant, you can observe symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, or stomach cramps after consuming dairy products. You can also consult a healthcare provider for tests like a lactose intolerance breath test or a lactose tolerance test.
To determine if your child is lactose intolerant, observe if they experience symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, or stomach cramps after consuming dairy products. You can also consult a healthcare provider for tests such as a lactose intolerance breath test or a lactose tolerance test.
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Citrobacter diversus is capable of fermenting lactose, therefore it would test positive for lactose fermentation in biochemical tests. This bacterium produces acid and gas during lactose fermentation, which can be detected using appropriate methods such as the MacConkey agar test.
Double strength lactose broth is used to selectively culture lactose fermenting bacteria. It contains a higher concentration of lactose compared to regular lactose broth, allowing for more efficient differentiation of lactose fermenters from non-fermenters based on acid production. This medium is often used in microbiology laboratories for various tests and experiments.
To determine if a toddler is lactose intolerant, you can observe symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or vomiting after consuming dairy products. A healthcare provider can also perform tests to confirm lactose intolerance.
Carbohydrate intolerance can be diagnosed using oral tolerance tests.
Yes, Citrobacter freundii is capable of fermenting lactose as it possesses the enzyme beta-galactosidase, which enables the breakdown of lactose into fermentable sugars. This fermentation process can be identified through various biochemical tests used in microbiology.
To differentiate between E. coli and Salmonella, key biochemical tests can be utilized. E. coli typically ferments lactose, producing acid and gas in tests like lactose broth and MacConkey agar, while Salmonella does not ferment lactose and often appears colorless on MacConkey agar. Additionally, Salmonella produces hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on triple sugar iron (TSI) agar, resulting in a black precipitate, whereas E. coli does not. Further biochemical tests, such as urease and indole tests, can also help in distinguishing the two.
Erkki Lehtovirta has written: 'Obesity in relation to glucose tolerance' -- subject(s): Glucose tolerance tests, Obesity, Police, Medical examinations
Parents can determine if their child is lactose intolerant by observing symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, or stomach pain after consuming dairy products. They can also consult a healthcare provider for tests like a lactose intolerance breath test or a stool acidity test.
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