Description
A noninvasive test used to diagnose gastrointestinal disorders. It is used to evaluate lactose malabsorption due to acquired or congenital lactase deficiency. The test is based on the quantitative determination of hydrogen in the breath compared to baseline.
The test is performed by collecting breath in a bag after ingesting a solution containing a substrate dissolved in a glass of water.
The breath collection kit is used to collect breath samples from patients suspected of having gastrointestinal tract disorders related to the absorption and/or digestion of certain nutrients.

How to use
Patient preparation
In the 15 days preceding the examination, the patient must avoid taking antibiotics.
In the 7 days preceding the test, the patient should not take any therapy containing lactic acid bacteria, prokinetics, or laxatives. The use of antibiotics or excessive use of laxatives can reduce the intestinal flora, compromising the test result.
The day before the test, the patient must avoid: complex carbohydrates and fiber (fruit, vegetables, bread, pasta, and legumes), alcohol, and carbonated drinks.
On the day of the examination the patient must:
- have fasted for at least 8-10 hours;
- avoid drinking water or, if necessary, drink only half a glass of still water;
- absolutely avoid smoking;
- avoid excessive physical exertion.
Brushing your teeth is permitted. Before the exam, rinsing your mouth with a chlorhexidine-based mouthwash is recommended.
During the examination the patient must:
- avoid sleeping;
- avoid drinking (even water).
It is recommended that you follow your doctor's instructions regarding test preparation.

Running the test
Collect baseline breath (time 0) before administering lactose (not supplied in the kit).
The patient should blow into the bag until it is full of air. Using a syringe, draw 20 cc of air from the bag. Immediately close the syringe with the cap, without forcing it too tightly. Mark the syringe with the #1 sticker on the back of the plunger.
Empty the bag completely.

Administer the patient the dose of lactose (not supplied in the kit) dissolved in 200 ml of natural water (25 g for adults and 12.5 g for children). Over the next 4 hours, collect exhaled breath every 30 minutes (an additional 8 measurements), marking each syringe with the number of the "puff" taken.
Fill out the analysis request form with the patient's details, the name of the requesting doctor, and the email address to receive the report.
Close the kit containing the syringes filled with exhaled breath with the seal and send it to the reporting laboratory.

Results
The test is considered positive if the H2 value in the exhaled breath exceeds 20 ppm compared to the baseline value.
The reporting laboratory will indicate the reference values ​​and the interpretation of the test result.

Warnings
Certain rules must be followed to successfully complete the test. Failure to prepare thoroughly will result in the exam being ineligible.
It is advisable to postpone the test in the presence of significant diarrhea, acute intestinal pathologies (gastroenteritis), and in the case of recent diagnostic procedures that the patient has undergone (colonoscopy).
Care should be taken to protect the test kit components from contamination. Do not use if there is evidence of microbial contamination or deterioration.

Conservation
Store at room temperature (2-30°C).
Do not use the tests beyond the expiration date indicated on the package.
Shelf life when packaging is intact: 36 months.

Format
The kit contains:
- 1 bag for collecting breath;
- 9 syringes for collecting breath;
- 9 leak-proof syringe caps;
- 9 adhesive numbers for syringe identification;
- 1 guarantee seal to close the kit;
- 1 instructions for use.

Cod. 09230002