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Lab Test Instructions
Genova Diagnostics
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose Intolerance
Updated over a week ago

Test Details

Lab Company: Genova Diagnostics
​ Sample Type: Breath
​ Collection Location: At Home

The Lactose Intolerance Breath Test uses a simple, non-invasive breath hydrogen/methane test to detect lactose intolerance.

Key Details

  • This test requires very specific timing. Please read the directions carefully and plan accordingly.

  • Do not take this test if you are sick. Wait until you are feeling better.

  • If you are a diabetic with a fasting urine glucose concentration >105 mg/dl, it is not recommended that you take this test.

  • You must avoid certain medications and foods prior to sample collection.

  • You must fast for at least 12 hours prior to sample collection.

  • Ship your samples as soon as possible after collection. It is best to ship them on the day of collection.

  • Rupa Health recommends shipping your samples Monday - Thursday only to avoid shipment delays
    ​

  • DO NOT register your test online with Genova.

Preparation & Timing

  • If you are a diabetic with a fasting urine glucose concentration >105 mg/dl, it is not recommended that you take this test.

  • If you are sick, wait to collect until you are feeling better.

  • Collect your sample at least 4 weeks after:

    • A colonoscopy

    • A barium enema

  • Collect your sample at least 2 weeks after:

    • Finishing a course of antibiotics

    • Finishing a course of antifungals

    • Taking Pepto-Bismol

  • Avoid using the following items for 1 week prior to collecting your sample:

    • Laxatives

    • Stool softeners

    • Stool bulking agents

  • 36 hours prior to sample collection

    • Stop eating high-fiber and lactose-containing foods.

    • For most patients, this restriction will begin with dinner two nights before sample collection.

    • Your test kit may come with a list of additional non-allowed foods.

  • The night before sample collection

    • Eat a light dinner.

    • Eat only foods from the list of "allowed foods" that is included in your test kit.

  • You must fast for at least 12 hours prior to sample collection.

    • You may drink water during your fast.

  • Avoid the following activities on the day of sample collection. You may resume these activities after you have finished collecting all of your samples.

    • Eating any food.

    • Drinking anything but water.

    • Chewing gum.

    • Using tobacco products (including chewing tobacco and tobacco cigarettes).

      • Please also avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.

    • Using breath mints.

    • Using toothpaste.

    • Napping.

    • Exercising vigorously.

  • It is best to start this collection in the morning, soon after waking.

Collection Instructions

  1. Write the following information on the tube labels.

    1. Sample ID number (1-4)

    2. Your name

    3. Your healthcare provider's name

    4. Date of collection

  2. Stir the LacTest powder solution in 8 oz of water.

  3. Set the solution aside.

  4. Brush your teeth and tongue (including the back of your tongue) without using toothpaste or mouthwash.

  5. Rinse your mouth with water.

  6. Remember, you must collect prior to eating or drinking.

  7. Drink the LacTest solution.

    1. If you are an adult or a child over 56 lbs,

    2. If you are a child under 56 lbs,

      1. Drink 1 oz of solution for every 7 lbs of body weight.

      2. You must drink the solution in 5 minutes.

  8. On the requisition form, record the time you drink the solution.

  9. DO NOT drink any water for 1 hour after you drink the solution.

  10. Repeat step 7 for each of the other three collections.

Tube Number

Collection Time

Example

1

Before drinking the LacTest solution

8:00 am (drank solution at 8:15 am)

2

1 hour after drinking the solution

9:15 am

3

2 hours after drinking the solution

10:15 am

4

3 hours after drinking the solution

11:15 am

Requisition & Payment

  • Your kit has been prepaid. You DO NOT need to pay anything extra.

  • Instructions on how to fill out your requisition can be found HERE (insurance) and HERE (cash pay).

    • Since you pre-paid for your tests, you do not need to fill in the payment information on any of these forms.

    • DO NOT register your test online with Genova.

Shipping

  • Ship your samples as soon as possible after collection. It is best to ship the same day you collect.

  • Rupa Health recommends shipping Monday - Thursday only to avoid shipment delays

  • To prepare your samples for shipping,

    • Ensure each tube is properly labeled.

    • Place the sample tubes into the provided bubble wrap bag.

    • Place the bubble wrap bag into the provided return mailer.

    • Place the completed test requisition form into the return mailer.

  • Make a note of the tracking number on the envelope so that you can track your sample back to the lab.

  • Ship samples using the provided, prepaid FedEx mailer.

    • More shipping information can be found HERE, as well as in the insert included with your kit.

    • You can schedule a pickup by calling FedEx at 1-800-463-3339 or visiting www.fedex.com.

    • DO NOT place your samples in a FedEx drop box.

Results

  • Results should be released to your provider 7-10 days after samples are received at the lab. We cannot guarantee processing time.

  • Your provider will notify you when your results are in and schedule a follow-up appointment for you to review them together.

  • Your provider may choose to release your results to you. Rupa cannot release your results without provider authorization.

More Resources

Questions?

For general questions, email Rupa Health at support@rupahealth.com. For test-specific questions, contact Genova Diagnostics by calling 1-800-522-4762 or chatting with support.

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