Breath Test Preparation

Preparation Instructions for Lactose and Bacterial Overgrowth Breath Tests

1. You SHOULD NOT eat high fiber or slowly digesting foods the day before the test. These foods may still be present in the colon the next day. Such foods include bran, coarse breads, nuts, beans and similar vegetables. This will reduce the chance of hydrogen and methane being produced from other food sources during the peiord of the test.
2. You SHOULD fast overnight (at least 12 hours before) the test, consuming no food and having only water to drink. This will further eliminate the chance of other foods interfering with the test.
3. You SHOULD NOT sleep or exercise vigorously for at least one hour before, or anytime during the test.
4. You SHOULD NOT smoke for at least 1/2/ hour before collecting any air sample used for the test.
5. ***If you have been taking antibiotics, you must be finished with them for 2 weeks prior to having the breath test.
6. You will be in our office for 3 hours.
7. You SHOULD take your normal medications (blood pressure, heart, thyroid etc.) the morning of the test with water only.  ***If you are taking medication for diabetes take only ½ of your prescribed dose on the morning of the test.
8. You SHOULD NOT consume carbonated beverages at least 24 hours prior to the test.
9. You SHOULD NOT use laxatives 1 week prior to the test.
10. Once the test begins nothing to eat or drink is permitted. 

 

Preparation Instructions for H. pylori  Breath Test

You must not have any antibiotics or Pepto Bismol for one month before the day of the test.

You must not have had the following medications (or any of their generic equivalents) for at least 2 weeks before the day of the test:

• Prilosec
• Prevacid
• Carafate
• Protonix
• Aciphex
• Nexium

You must be fasting for 6 hours prior to the test. This means nothing to eat or drink. If you have any questions, please call our office.