Having a Hydrogen Breath Test and how to book an appointment Information for Patients What is a hydrogen breath test? This is a special examination of the small intestine, the digestive part of the bowel, to determine how well it absorbs sugars, or whether there is bacterial overgrowth in this part of the bowel. These issues can affect the function of the bowel and cause intestinal symptoms. What does the procedure involve? You will be seated comfortably and asked to breathe into a tube before and several times after drinking a quantity of a special sugar which has been mixed with water. You should expect to spend about 3 hours in the unit. At the end of the test, you may eat and drink normally, and drive or work as normal if you wish. What are the benefits of hydrogen breath tests? The results of this test will allow your doctor to see if you have a problem in absorbing sugars, or if you have bacterial overgrowth – this information may help to treat and improve your symptoms Are there any risks involved? There are no risks: this is a safe, non-invasive test. Is there an alternative? There is an alternative called the Lactose Tolerance Blood Test which involves drinking a solution of lactose, taking a sample of blood and testing this to see how much glucose it contains. This test is outdated and we don’t do not undertake this test in the unit. General information Please complete the enclosed patient questionnaire and bring it with you. If one is not enclosed, please telephone the number given on the sheet How to Book an Appointment. Page 1 of 3 Preparation Your appointment will usually be before 1pm Do not have anything to eat or drink from midnight of the night before the test since food or liquids in your stomach will interfere with the results and we would therefore have to rebook it. If you are taking any regular medication for diabetes, check with your doctor or the nursing staff for specific instructions. If you are taking any regular medication for stomach, bowel, heart, lung, kidney or other medical conditions, please continue these as normal, you may take your medications with a glass of water on the day of your examination. If you are asthmatic, please bring your inhalers with you. If you are being treated with lactulose, please do not take any the previous evening or on the morning of your investigation. On arrival at the unit The receptionist will ask for your questionnaire. After the examination You will be free to go home and eat and drink as normal straight after the test. To book your appointment you can either: • take this form to Reception in the Lady Sobell Gastrointestinal Unit (next to Ward 4), Wexham Park Hospital and arrange the appointment directly • ring on 01753 634157/4704/3061/4262 between 09:00 and 16:00 on weekdays to book the appointment Appointment date and time ………………………..day ………… / …………/ 20….… at ……………………. am Allowing you to make your own appointment enables you to receive a convenient date for you. Please bring this form with you for your appointment, and when you come for your test. Page 2 of 3 If you would like a copy of this leaflet on audiotape, in large print or translated, please telephone 01753 634398 Title of leaflet: Having a Hydrogen Breath Test and how to book an appointment – Information for Patients Reference No: H/026/1 Issue Date: September 2013 Review date: September 2015 Compiled by: Dr Sass Levi, Belinda Johnston - Lady Sobell GI Unit Legal Notice Please remember that this leaflet is intended as general information only. We aim to make the information as up to date and accurate as possible, but please be warned that it is always subject to change. Please therefore always check specific advice on any concerns you may have with your doctor. Heatherwood Hospital Wexham Park Hospital London Road Wexham Street Ascot Slough Berkshire SL5 8AA Berkshire SL2 4HL Tel 01344 623333 Tel 01753 633000 Web: http://www.heatherwoodandwexham.nhs.uk/information-leaflets Page 3 of 3