Test Details
Lab Company: Commonwealth Diagnostics International, Inc.
Sample Type: Breath
Collection Location: At Home
This test is used to aid in the diagnosis of lactose malabsorption. Lactose malabsorption may occur when the enzyme needed to break down lactose, a sugar commonly found in dairy products, is not present. The lack of the enzyme allows bacteria normally found in the digestive system to produce hydrogen and/or methane gas which can cause many gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and/or flatulence.
Key Details
💊 You must avoid taking certain medications before sample collection.
🍽️ You must follow a specific diet for 24 hours before sample collection.
🚫 You must fast for 12 hours before sample collection.
⏰ Sample collection is STRICTLY TIMED.
📦 Save the test kit box. You will use this to ship your samples back to the laboratory.
🚚 Ship your samples within 24 hours of collection.
Preparation & Timing
Avoid using any antibiotics for 4 weeks before sample collection.
Avoid taking the following substances for 1 week before sample collection.
Laxatives
Promotility drugs
24 Hours Before Sample Collection
Avoid the following activities:
Smoking
Vaping
You must follow a specific diet. YOU CAN ONLY EAT AND DRINK THE FOLLOWING ITEMS.
Drinks
Plain coffee
Plain black tea
Plain green tea
Water
Meat - baked or broiled only
Chicken
Turkey
Lean beef
Lean pork
Seafood
Other Food
Eggs
White rice
Plain white bread
Plain tofu
Boiled or mashed potatoes (no skin)
Boiled or mashed carrots
Boiled or mashed turnips
Seasonings
A pinch of salt
A pinch of pepper
A teaspoon of olive oil
12 Hours Before Sample Collection
You must fast for 12 hours before sample collection.
You may drink water during your fast.
You may brush your teeth as normal.
DO NOT take any vitamins or supplements.
Day of Sample Collection
DO NOT eat or drink anything but water until you have completed your sample collection.
Avoid the following activities for 1 hour before sample collection:
Sleeping
Exercising
Collection Instructions
Ensure you followed the restricted diet and fasting guidelines.
This collection is strictly timed. You MUST follow the collection time exactly.
Thoroughly mix the lactose substrate packet into 8 oz of room-temperature water. DO NOT DRINK THE SOLUTION YET.
Open the pack of collection tubes using a pair of scissors.
Complete the corresponding sample label with the following information:
Patient's Full Name
Patient's Date of Birth
Date of Collection
Time of Collection
Apply the label to the side of one collection tube.
Unscrew the blue cap from the tube.
Unwrap the collection straw.
Insert the straw halfway into the tube.
Inhale normally with your mouth away from the tube.
Exhale normally into the straw for 5 seconds.
You should see condensation on the inside of the tube.
DO NOT INHALE while the straw is still in the tube/in your mouth.
Remove the straw.
Immediately screw the cap back on securely.
DO NOT over-tighten the cap.
Place the tube in the provided bubble bag.
Immediately after collecting your first sample, drink the substrate mixture.
You must drink the solution within 2 minutes.
Wait 40 minutes.
Repeat steps 5-14 for each of the 5 remaining collections. Wait 40 minutes between each collection.
When you have completed your entire collection, complete the test requisition form.
Place the tubes into the provided bubble bag.
Place the bubble bags into the test kit box.
Place the completed test requisition form into the box.
Requisition & Payment
Your kit has been prepaid. You DO NOT need to pay anything extra.
You must complete your requisition form and send it back with your samples.
Since you pre-paid for your tests, you do not need to fill in the payment information on any of these forms.
Shipping
Ship your samples within 24 hours of collection.
To prepare your samples for shipping,
Ensure all tubes are properly labeled.
Place the sample tubes into the provided bubble bag.
Place the bubble bag into the test kit box.
Place the completed test requisition form into the test kit box.
Seal the test kit box.
Place the provided return label on the test kit box.
Make a note of the tracking number on the return label so you can track your sample back to the lab.
Take the package to the nearest UPS location.
DO NOT place the package in a drop box.
Results
Results should be released to your provider 1 business day after samples are received at the lab. Rupa Health cannot guarantee processing time.
More Resources
Questions?
Reach out to Rupa Health via the chat in your patient portal.