Ways to Prepare For A Hydrogen Breath Test

Science has taken breath testing to a higher level with all the incoming technology making it easier for us to test diseases and potential risks. Similarly, if a doctor has asked you to get a hydrogen breath test done, we will guide you through what to expect.

What is Hydrogen Breath Testing?

Hydrogen breath testing is done to diagnose sugar intolerance or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It measures the level of hydrogen in your breath and checks how much it fluctuates after consuming a sugary solution.

Our breath has very little hydrogen in it; detecting higher levels of hydrogen indicates an issue, which is usually either sugar intolerance or bacterial growth.

How to Prepare:

Here is what to do before getting your test done:

Four Weeks Before the Test:

A month before your breath test, you should avoid taking antibiotics and Pepto-Bismol. Get no procedure done that has to do with your bowel: no colonoscopy.

Two Weeks Before the Test:

Avoid taking laxatives, stool softeners, and antacids.

The Day Before Your Test:

You’ll have to be more careful about what you eat. Have plain white rice or bread; plain potatoes; Baked chicken or fish; coffee or tea; and water.

Avoid taking sweet drinks (no sodas, no juices, no energy drinks), foods that are rich in fibre (beans, pasta, cereal) and butter.

Don’t smoke or be around anyone who smokes. Inhaling cigarette smoke can mess up your test results.

The day of Your Test

Start fasting 8 to 12 hours before your test. This means no eating or drinking anything (even water). Get a doctor’s confirmation before you start fasting.

You can continue taking your usual medications with a few sips of water. However, it’s necessary to let your doctor know about any medicines you take (especially if you have diabetes).

Avoid smoking, chewing gum, exercising, or using mouthwash.

How Is the Test Done?

To start with the hydrogen breath test, your doctor will ask you to start blowing gently into a bag for an initial breath sample.

After this, they’ll give you different sugary solutions to drink. Every 15 to 20 minutes, you’ll be asked to breathe into a bag after taking your solutions one by one. After each breath, your doctor will empty the bag using a syringe.

There is nothing complication in a hydrogen breath test, though they do take longer to cover. You can bring some reading material with you to pass your time in between the testing.

Book An Appointment with Phlebotomy On Wheels

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Our expert phlebotomists offer multiple services, including stat and routine blood draws, saliva kits, glucose tolerance, and stool specimen kits.

To book an appointment with us, simply call at (443)-866-3647 or contact us now.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please consult a medical professional.