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Hydrogen breath test
- Research-led diagnostics for the causes of gastrointestinal symptoms, including IBS
- Face-to-face or home testing kits available
- Test results within five working days
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HYDROGEN BREATH TEST AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
If you’re experiencing uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, we can help. We offer fast access to our specialist dietitians, who can arrange a hydrogen breath test in one of our clinics or, for your convenience, provide you with a test to carry out at home.
Our comprehensive testing service includes a thorough pre-assessment call with one of our expert team. Once you’ve had your test, we’ll send you your results within five working days, or sooner, if needed, so you can get started on any necessary treatment as quickly as possible.
An HBT is a simple, non-invasive medical test. It uses a breath monitor to measure the hydrogen, methane and oxygen content of the breath you’re exhaling.
The test gives us information about how your body digests certain sugars or carbohydrates, such as milk sugar (lactose) or fruit and vegetable sugars (fructose). This helps to determine if you’re intolerant to certain sugars. The test can also detect abnormal growth of bacteria in the small bowel.
We use the test to help diagnose Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), lactose malabsorption and fructose malabsorption.
Before the test, we’ll give you a glass of water that contains either lactose, a non-absorbable sugar laxative or fructose to drink. We’ll then ask you to provide a breath sample every 15 to 30 minutes (dependant on the test you’re having).
A glucose breath test takes one hour to complete. The lactulose, lactose and fructose breath tests take two hours to complete.
Yes. You’ll need to follow a special diet one to two days before the test. You’ll also not be able to eat or drink anything, except water, 14 hours before your HBT. Some medications also need to be avoided before your HBT. Your dietitian will explain all of this to you in more detail during your pre-assessment call and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Quick referrals
Get an appointment with a specialist dietitian in as little as five working days.
Comprehensive testing
With results within five working days.
Expertise in London
Choose from three modern clinics across the capital.
Locations
We offer hydrogen breath tests at three of our state-of-the-art clinics in London.
Canary Wharf Outpatients
40 Bank Street Canary Wharf E14 5NR London
London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street W1G 8DU London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Hydrogen breath test
What to expect
From the moment you step through the door, until you’re ready to leave, we want you to feel as comfortable and reassured as possible.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect when you’re referred for a Hydrogen Breath Test (HBT):
01
Pre-assessment call
Once we’ve received your HBT referral, we’ll contact you to arrange a call with one of our specialist dietitians or nurses.
Our dietitian or nurse will talk you through the test and how to prepare. You’ll then be booked in for your test at your chosen clinic at a time and date that suits you.
Home testing kits are provided on a case-by-case basis and subject to the clinic providing the test. Please tell the dietitian or nurse during your call if you require a home testing kit.
02
The HBT(s)
Before you start your test, we’ll give you an HBT testing solution, which is water mixed with a specific type of sugar, to drink. We’ll then ask you to provide a breath sample every 15 to 30 minutes (dependant on the test you’re completing).
A glucose breath test takes one hour to complete. The lactulose, lactose and fructose breath tests take two hours to complete.
03
Receiving the results
Your test results help our dietitians confirm or rule out certain specific causes of your digestive problems. Once the results have been analysed, we’ll send a copy to you and your referring consultant or GP.
04
Treatment
Your consultant or GP will let you know if you need treatment following your test. This may involve medications, such as antibiotics. We may also refer you to one of our specialist dietitians, who’ll design a bespoke dietary plan to complement your treatment, aid your recovery and help manage your symptoms.
05
Follow-up and ongoing care
If you have treatment with us, we’ll be here to support you throughout your recovery.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
HBT FAQs
Yes, you can. Our Diabetes Clinical Nurse Specialist will contact you about your medication and whether it needs to be adjusted during the fasting period before the test. We’ll also monitor your blood glucose levels during the HBT.
Home testing kits can be returned by dropping them into the clinic in person, or you can return them by post.
If you explain to your insurer that you’ve been referred for hydrogen/methane breath testing, they should be able to find this using the search option (it comes under diagnostic tests). Private medical insurance companies should recognise HCA UK as a provider of dietetic services, and the invoice for an HBT(s) will come from the hospital itself.
“The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. I thought the whole process was extremely well run and the pre-assessment call was very helpful. The explanation about the machine and what was being undertaken on the day of my test was clear and precise.”
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