What happens during the test?

You will be asked to breathe in and blow out a single breath sample into a collection device. Following, you will be given a single-dose sugar solution to drink. Breath samples will then be collected regularly every 30 minutes over the course of 3 hours.

You may experience certain gut symptoms during and immediately after your test such as bloating and flatulence. Side effects are not expected. When the test has been completed you can resume your normal diet, medications, and activities.

Breath test preparation

2 Weeks before your test

  • No Oral and/or IV Antibiotics. Antibiotic skin creams, eye and ear drops are OK.
  • No Colonoscopy or Barium Meal Enema Procedures. Gastroscopy procedure is OK.

1 full day before your test

  • No milk and dairy products. You can still have lactose-free milk, soy, rice, almond and coconut milk.
  • No canned and dried fruit, fruit juices, soft drinks and honey.
  • No high-fibre foods (e.g. wholegrain/wholemeal/high-fibre varieties of grain based foods like bread and pasta; beans and corn).
  • No fibre supplements, laxatives, or probiotics. ‍
  • We recommend a meal containing rice, meat and/or vegetables the evening before your test (rice being optional).
  • Limit your alcohol intake to one standard drink.
  • All other foods and medications can be eaten as normal.

For meal ideas, please view our Sample meal plan

Begin your fast the night before your test

  • Fast for 12 hrs (so for a 9am test begin your fast from 9pm the night before).
  • Young children may fast for 10 hrs instead.
  • You may drink plain water in the lead-up to, and during your test.

On the morning of your test

  • Continue your fast.
  • Take your normal medications with plain water.
  • Stop smoking, no physical exercise, no sleeping.

Testing in Clinic

  • Please arrive on time to your appointment and announce yourself to clinic staff on arrival. If you arrive late to your appointment you may be turned away and a cancellation fee may apply.
  • The waiting room is shared with pathology patients. Refrain from bringing a visitor as seating is limited to patients only (except for parents and carers).
  • For further information on Gastrolab clinics (e.g. car parking and public transport options) call Gastrolab on (03) 9244 0330 or email [email protected].
  • CANCELLATION POLICY – Please provide at least 24 hrs notice for cancellations. No-shows will incur a cancellation fee equivalent to the cost of the test.