Test Details
Lab Company: Aerodiagnostics
Sample Type: Breath
Collection Location: At Home
This test is used to help diagnose a condition called lactose intolerance. This condition occurs when the body cannot break down lactose (a sugar commonly found in dairy products) because the necessary enzyme is not present. When this happens, bacteria in the digestive system can produce gases like hydrogen and methane, which can cause symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and flatulence.
Key Details
🍽️ You must follow a special diet 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 on the day you collect them.
Preparation & Timing
Avoid the following treatments for 14 days before sample collection.
Antibiotics
Colonoscopies
Barium studies or enemas
If you have recently had runny diarrhea, wait 14 days to collect your sample.
24 Hours Before Sample Collection
You must follow a specific diet. YOU CAN ONLY EAT AND DRINK THE FOLLOWING ITEMS.
Drinks - NO sugar, artificial sweeteners, or creams added
Plain water
Plain coffee
Plain tea
Meat - baked or broiled
Chicken
Fish
Turkey
Other Food
Plain steamed white rice
Eggs
White bread (only)
Plain white potatoes (no skin)
Clear chicken broth
Clear beef broth
Seasonings
A pinch of salt
A pinch of pepper
Avoid the following medications until sample collection is complete.
Laxatives
Antacids
Metamucil
Citrucel
Other similar medications
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.
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.
Smoking
Vaping
Exposure to second-hand smoke
Sleeping
Vigorous exercise
Brushing your teeth
Collection Instructions
Make sure you have followed the preparation instructions exactly.
This test is strictly timed. Please follow the timing and collection instructions exactly.
PRINT YOUR TEST REQUISITION FORM FROM YOUR RUPA PATIENT PAGE.
DO NOT use the blank requisition form that came in your test kit, as it does not have all of the required information. If you use the form from your kit, you may be required to recollect your samples.
Complete your requisition form following the instructions below.
Prepare the lactose solution. DO NOT DRINK THE SOLUTION YET.
See the chart below for the appropriate amount of substrate and water to use.
Mix the substrate and water.
Set the drink aside. DO NOT DRINK THE SOLUTION YET.
Open the EasySampler device.
DO NOT touch the needle.
Open the bags of sample tubes.
DO NOT loosen or remove the tops of the sample tubes. Removing the tops will make the tubes invalid and cause you to recollect your samples.
Hold the EasySampler device in one hand and a collection tube in the other hand.
Take a normal breath in.
Close your mouth around the mouthpiece then blow out normally.
The bag will fill with air as you exhale. Keep it inflated.
While exhaling, insert the test tube into the needle holder completely so that the stopper on the tube is punctured.
Remove the tube after 1-2 seconds.
Remove the EasySampler device from your mouth and stop exhaling.
Complete a tube label with the following information.
Sample number
Date of collection
Time of collection
Patient's full name
Which test you are completing (lactose)
Place the sample label on the tube.
(After your baseline sample only) Drink the lactose solution you prepared earlier. Complete the drink within 5 minutes.
Follow the timing chart below to collect the rest of your samples. Exact timing is important for this test.
For each remaining collection, repeat steps 8 - 17.
When you have collected all 7 of your samples, place the sample tubes into the provided bubble bags.
Place the bubble bags into the test kit box.
Place the completed test requisition form into the test kit box.
Place the collection device into the test kit box.
Requisition & Payment
Your kit has been prepaid. You DO NOT need to pay anything extra.
YOU MUST PRINT YOUR TEST REQUISITION FORM FROM YOUR RUPA PATIENT PAGE.
DO NOT use the blank requisition form that came in your test kit, as it does not have all of the required information. If you use the form from your kit, you may be required to recollect your samples.
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 this form.
Shipping
Ship your samples via UPS on the day of collection.
Samples must be received and analyzed by the lab within 14 days of sample collection.
To prepare your samples for shipping,
Place the sample tubes into the provided bubble bags.
Place the provided bubble bags into the test kit box.
Place the completed requisition form into the test kit box.
Seal the test kit box.
Place the provided return label onto the test kit box.
Make a note of the tracking number on the provided return label so that you can track your samples back to the lab.
Results
Results should be released to your provider 2 business days 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.