Adelaide Breath Testing

Hydrogen / Methane Breath Testing Technique (using Home Kit)

Important: Please read these instructions fully before starting – there are 5 steps. Practice them, and if you are unsure of any step please ring 08 8292 2370 during office hours for assistance.

Step 1: Preparation

• Ensure you have fasted and followed the diet restrictions on the day before your test
• Open substrate sachet (lactose, fructose or glucose) and tap out entire contents into a full glass (about 250ml) of very warm water
• Mix thoroughly until all the powder is completely dissolved (clear liquid)

Do NOT drink it yet!

Step 2: Baseline Breath Sample

• Unscrew the cap of the RED capped glass vial (labelled "BASELINE") and hold the cap in the palm of your hand. (if this is difficult, place the cap on a bench very close to the glass vial)
• Pick up the straw (with same hand) and insert it fully into the glass vial
• Take a deep breath in and let about half of it out
• Blow out the remainder of your breath through the straw (into the glass tube) whilst slowly withdrawing the straw from the tube over 6-8 seconds
• When the straw is out, quickly cap the tube tightly (but not so tight that a dimple is formed in the rubber disc of the cap). The tube must be capped within 1-2 sec after the straw is removed

You have successfully collected your Baseline Breath Sample.

Step 3: Drink the substrate dose

• Drink the entire contents of the liquid substrate you have just prepared. (it will taste quite sweet)
• Record the time on the questionnaire

Step 4: Later Breath Samples (using the same collection technique as "Baseline" sample)

You must collect a breath sample every hour (following your drink) for a further 3 hours. (3 more samples)

• Unscrew the cap of the WHITE capped glass vial (labelled "1 hour") and hold the cap in the palm of your hand - using the same technique as "Baseline" sample
• Pick up the straw (with same hand) and insert it fully into the glass vial. • Take a deep breath and let about half of it out
• Blow out the remainder of your breath through the straw (into the glass tube) whilst slowly withdrawing the straw from the tube
• When the straw is out, quickly cap the tube tightly (but not so tight that a dimple is formed in the rubber disc of the cap)
• Record the time on the questionnaire

Repeat this technique for the following "2 hour" and "3 hour" breath samples. Remember not to fall asleep or do vigorous exercise between breath samples, and continue to fast and NOT smoke until the end of the test.

If you are late in collecting a specimen (a few minutes do not matter), it does not necessarily invalidate the test.: Collect your breath specimen as soon as possible and record the time at which it was taken on the questionnaire.

Step 5: Return the samples

When you have completed the test, pack the sample vials together with all documentation and deliver them within 72hrs to: Tennyson Gastroenterology Centre, 1st floor, 520 South Road, Kurralta Park, SA 5037 for processing and reporting of your results.

Adelaide Breath Testing

For assistance in performing this test, you may ring 08 8292 2370 during office hours