Taking the Hydrogen Breath Test

Summary

Dr. Jasmine Zia and Brian Donahue from UW Medicine explain the hydrogen breath test for detecting small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. The video covers the test kit's contents, preparation with dietary and medication restrictions, and the step-by-step process of collecting breath samples over three hours. They demonstrate the technique for capturing samples, emphasize the importance of labeling them accurately, and advise on mailing the samples back promptly for analysis, with results expected within one to two weeks.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍⚕️ The hydrogen breath test is conducted to detect small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
• 🔍 The test involves collecting breath samples using a specific apparatus and technique, which includes a mouthpiece and vials.
• 📦 The test kit contains instructions, test vials, a mouthpiece, a practice tube, labels for the vials, lactulose (the sugar substrate for testing), bubble wraps, and a mailing label.
• 🍽️ Dietary and medication restrictions must be followed a month before the test to avoid altering gut bacteria composition.
• 🚫 On the day before the test, a very restrictive diet is required, with no butter, oil, sweeteners, or creamer, and only salt and pepper for seasoning.
• 🕒 The test day involves no mouthwash, smoking, eating, chewing gum, or consuming breath mints or candy for at least one hour before starting and no sleeping or exercising during the test.
• 🗓️ The test takes place over three hours, with 10 breath samples collected on a 20-minute cycle, starting with a baseline sample before consuming lactulose.
• 💨 To capture a breath sample, inhale normally, exhale into the mouthpiece, and then quickly insert the test tube into the vial, pressing for a count of one thousand, then release.
• 📝 It's important to label each vial immediately after collecting a sample, noting the sample number, date, time, and patient's name.
• 📦 After completing the test, place the vials in bubble wraps for protection and use the provided mailing label to send them back to the clinic.
• ⏰ The samples should be mailed back as soon as possible, ideally within one to three days after the test.
• 📞 Patients can expect to receive their results within one to two weeks, either by mail, email, or a phone call.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the hydrogen breath test?

The hydrogen breath test helps detect the presence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

What items are included in the hydrogen breath test kit?

The kit includes instructions, two packets of test vials, a mouthpiece, a practice tube, ten labels, lactulose (a sugar substrate), two bubble wraps for the vials, and a mailing label.

Why is it important to follow the dietary and medication restrictions before the test?

Following the dietary and medication restrictions is crucial because these factors can alter the makeup of gut bacteria, potentially affecting the test results.

What are the specific dietary restrictions on the day before the test?

On the day before the test, the diet is very narrow. Food should only be spiced with salt and pepper, with no butter, oil products, sweeteners, or creamer allowed.

What are the guidelines for test day preparation?

On test day, brush your teeth at least two hours before starting, avoid mouthwash, and refrain from exposure to cigarettes for at least one hour. Do not eat food, chew gum, or use breath mints or candy during the test.

How is the test conducted, and what is the timing for taking breath samples?

The test involves collecting 10 breath samples over three hours. Start with a baseline sample, then drink the lactulose. Take subsequent breath samples every 20 minutes until all vials are filled.

How should patients use the mouthpiece and vial to collect a breath sample?

To collect a breath sample, take a normal breath in, wrap your mouth around the mouthpiece, and blow out. Then, insert the vial into the mouthpiece, press it in, and count to two seconds before releasing it.

Why is it important to label each vial immediately after collecting a breath sample?

Labeling each vial immediately is crucial because the sequence of the breath samples is essential for accurate test results.

How should the vials be prepared for mailing after completing the test?

After completing the test, place the vials in bubble wraps to protect them during transit. Attach the provided mailing label to the box and send it back as soon as possible, preferably within three days.

How long does it take to receive the test results, and how will they be communicated?

Test results typically take one to two weeks to be processed. Patients may receive their results via mail, email, or a phone call.