What Tests Do I Need?
The Breath Methane and Hydrogen Tests are symptoms-driven.
IBS-Type Symptoms you may experience can be: diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, increased and bad-smelling flatulence, headaches, lethargy and abdominal pain. In some patients, long term suffering can produce weight loss/ weight gain. The impact of these symptoms on quality of life varies from patient to patient, from inconvenient to debilitating.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects 1 in 5 adults, is the second biggest cause of absenteeism in the workplace and is a chronic contributor to depression.
If you experience one, all or any combination of these symptoms you may be suffering from Fructose Malabsorption, Lactose Intolerance, Sorbitol Malabsorption and/or Small Bowel/Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SBBO/SIBO). These conditions are commonly grouped under the title “Irritable Bowel Syndrome” (IBS).
A Lactulose Control Test should be performed first, in order to set the baseline for your response, against which subsequent tests can be assessed.
Many patients find it helpful to consult with their GP, Gastro Specialist or Specialist Dietitian, in order to determine which particular tests may be required, based on existing symptoms.
Each test - Lactulose, Fructose, Lactose, Sorbitol and Glucose needs to be performed on a separate day, with at least one day’s rest in between each test, to allow the sugar to washout of your system. If you have 3 tests, you could have these on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for example. Each test takes a minimum 2 hours to complete. If you have a slow digestion rate, you may need 3 hours to complete your tests. The first test will usually determine how long your subsequent tests will take to complete.
Tests can also be done up to, but no longer than, 1 week apart. If you need to have 3 tests, these can be done on 3 successive Fridays for example, but no longer apart than this.
You need to follow the Pre-test Conditions before each test. Please read these carefully to understand what is required.
Breath Test Centres are located in Victoria (Box Hill and Brighton) and South Australia (Adelaide). Location maps and testing hours and days are listed on the links to each clinic.
When you arrive for each test, you will be provided a seat in a comfortable environment, and a breath sample will be taken by having you exhale gently into an inflatable bag. You will then be given a sugar drink, and when you have finished this, further breath samples will be made at 20 minute intervals for the next 2 hours at minimum.
Each test follows this procedure. There are no needles or invasive components to these tests, however, you may experience symptoms such as increased bowel motions, flatulence and stomach noises.
To book your tests, please contact us on the following:
Phone: 1300 TEST ME (1300 8378 63)
email: headoffice@streamdiagnostics.com.au
Fax: 1800 852 896