Hydrogen Breath Test

Hydrogen Breath Test Preparation

4 Weeks before the test:

• Do NOT take any antibiotics or Pepto Bismol

2 Weeks before the test:

• No NOT undergo a colonoscopy, barium enema or other tests that require a bowel prep or cleansing
• Do NOT take any probiotics-oral pills or yogurts

1 Week before the test:

• Do NOT take any laxatives or stool softeners (example: Colace, Milk of Magnesia, Ex-lax) or stool bulking agents (example: Citrucel, Metamucil)

24 Hours before the test:

• You must avoid slow digesting foods such as beans, vegetables, fruits, brans and high fiber foods. NO dairy products.  This will reduce the chance of hydrogen and methane being produced from the food sources which may interfere with the results of the test. Please follow the diet instructions (see permitted foods below) you are given to comply with the test requirements and ensure accurate results.

12 Hours prior to the test (Fasting begins at 7:45 pm- water only):

• You must stop eating and drinking 12 hours before the test
• Do not smoke tobacco, chew gum, eat breath mints or candy one hour prior to the test.
• Please brush your teeth at least two hours prior to appointment.
• You may continue to take your usual prescription medicines with a small amount of water the morning of the test.
• Oral hypoglycemic medications are usually not taken that morning until completion of the test and resumption of eating normal diet.
• If insulin is needed, take half of your normal long acting insulin. Further directions can be obtained from the physician.

Foods permitted-24 hours before testing

Examples of foods and drinks that you may consume include:

• Plain white bread
• Chicken or Beef Broth and bouillon
• White rice
• Eggs
• Baked or broiled chicken, fish or turkey
• Water only
• Salt and pepper may be used to flavor your foods