Lactose intolerance info
Clinical Utility
Used to diagnose lactose intolerance in individuals who have difficulties digesting dairy products, or sometimes as part of an investigation of malabsorption conditions.
Ordering
Healthcare provider needs to indicate ‘Breath Hydrogen Test for Lactose Tolerance’ in the ‘Other Tests’ section of the requisition form.
Patient instructions
The patient needs to make an appointment to get tested at one of select LifeLabs Patient Service Centers by calling 1-855-412-4495. The patient will need to fast and abstain from smoking for 10 hours before receiving the test and during the 2 hours that it takes for the test. The patient will have to bring the filled out requisition form to the appointment at the Patient Service Center.
Turnaround Time
Test results will be available within 2 weeks.
Cost
This test is not currently covered by provincial health plans, but may be covered by the patient’s private insurance.