Lactose Intolerance Quick Test (BIOHIT)

Product code: 602012 (10 tests)
Product code: 602010 (25 tests)
Product code: 602018 (positive control)

Quick lactose intolerance test for gastric biopsies

Detecting lactose intolerance has never been easier or more efficient than with the BIOHIT Lactose Intolerance Quick Test (LIQT). This diagnostic tool is specifically designed to assess lactase enzyme activity in duodenal biopsy specimens, providing a reliable method for diagnosing lactose intolerance in an endoscopy setting. By utilizing a biopsy sample from the upper part of the small intestine, this test quickly evaluates the presence of lactase—the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose—helping to align lactase persistence with lactose intolerance in people with common abdominal symptoms.

 

A Modern Alternative to Traditional Methods

Traditionally, the accurate determination of lactase levels required the labour-intensive biochemical disaccharide test using homogenised biopsy samples in a specialist laboratory. While this method is considered the gold standard, it has largely fallen out of favour due to its time-consuming and costly nature. The BIOHIT Lactose Intolerance Quick Test offers a far more practical solution. This test requires just three reagents, and the results are visible in just 20 minutes through a simple colour change. This process is quicker than most rapid urease tests and does not require specialised training or equipment. Each kit includes three reagents, test plates and a colour chart for easy interpretation.

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Key Advantages

Immediate and highly specific measurement of lactase activity directly from a biopsy sample
Simple procedure and rapid result for lactose intolerance in only 20 minutes
Predicts clinical response to a lactose free diet and rules out lactose intolerance as a cause of functional gastrointestinal disorders
Severe hypolactasia can be differentiated from mild hypolactasia
Identifies primary, secondary, congenital and familial lactase deficiency
95 % sensitivity, 100 % specificity compared to gold standard

Specifications

Colorimetric test

10 or 25 tests

Storage: 2-8 °C

Biopsy sample

More Details

Performance Data Table For Biohit Lactose Intolerance Quick Test

Furthermore, for daily quality control checks, a positive lactase control solution, Lactase Control+, is available. This control solution, conveniently packaged in a dropper bottle with 1 ml of lactase enzyme solution, can be used to verify the performance of the Lactose Intolerance Quick Test before analysing patient samples. With one millilitre of Lactase Control+, you can conduct up to 100 quality control tests, ensuring the reliability of your diagnostic procedures.

 

Clinical applications of the lactose intolerance quick test

The prevalence of lactose intolerance is estimated to be at least 5% of the adult population. However, as symptoms are so general, it can often go undiagnosed and untreated for many years. This test is particularly valuable for ruling out lactose intolerance in cases of IBS-like symptoms and functional dyspepsia. Because it is highly specific for detecting lactase activity, it can identify various forms of lactase deficiency, including primary, secondary, congenital, and familial deficiencies. It can also assess the extent of lactase deficiency in conditions like coeliac disease, allowing clinicians to either confirm or eliminate lactase deficiency as a potential cause of gastrointestinal symptoms.

 

BIOHIT Lactose Intolerance Quick Test (LIQT)

Notably, the test’s performance stands out when compared to both the traditional gold standard method and the hydrogen breath test, as illustrated in Table 1. Additionally, it enhances diagnostic accuracy and offers a cost-effective alternative for patients undergoing gastroscopy. It’s important to consider that gastroscopy referrals often follow inconclusive outcomes from other testing approaches, making the Lactose Intolerance Quick Test a valuable confirmatory test.

We offer comprehensive on-site training and continuous support for all our biopsy tests. Additionally, we provide complimentary access to a valuable online training module, enabling endoscopy team members to access essential learning materials whenever they need them.

Utilising the test and interpreting the results is remarkably straightforward. Coupled with its exceptional accuracy, this makes the BIOHIT Lactose Intolerance Quick Test the preferred choice for Endoscopists. Moreover, it guarantees that patients receive the correct diagnosis on the first attempt, a critical aspect in an invasive testing scenario.

 

References:

  1. Kuokkanen M et al. Biopsy-based quick test for duodenal hypolactasla. Endoscopy 2006; 38: 708-712.
  2. Ojetti V et al. Quick test: a new test for the diagnosis of duodenal hypolactasia. Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 2008 Jun; 53(6):1589-1592.

Lactose Intolerance Quick Test FAQs

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance occurs when an individual is unable to digest lactose. This can occur when an individual does not express sufficient lactase enzyme to cope with the amount of lactose ingested, or as a result of intestinal injury or atrophy due to other diseases or events.

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

Symptoms of lactose intolerance are broad and can be very non-specific, varying among individuals. Some individuals report systemic symptoms but the most common symptoms include:

  • Bloating
  • Diarrhoea
  • Gas/excess wind
  • Abdominal cramps or pains
  • Nausea

 

Symptoms usually occur within a few hours of consuming lactose-containing foods or beverages.

How does the Lactose Intolerance Quick Test work?

The Lactose Intolerance Quick Test detects the amount of lactase enzyme activity in a duodenal biopsy sample. A lactose substrate is added to the biopsy in a small test plate which is hydrolysed by any lactase present in the specimen. The product of this enzymatic reaction is detected by a colour change that is proportional to the amount of lactase in the biopsy sample. If there is no colour change, it indicates severe lactase deficiency (alactasia or severe hypolactasia). Conversely if a colour develops it indicates the presence of lactase.

How accurate is the Lactose Intolerance Quick Test?

The Lactose Intolerance Quick Test is based on the gold standard biochemical disaccharidase test which directly measures lactase activity in biopsy specimens. Compared to the biochemical disaccharidase test LIQT has a sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 100% respectively.

Which patient groups does the LIQT apply to?

The Lactose Intolerance Quick Test can be used to identify lactase deficiency in adults and children undergoing gastroscopy. It can be used in cases where lactose intolerance is suspected or where abdominal symptoms indicate the need for testing.

What other tests are available for lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance can be investigated through various methods, each with their own merits and drawbacks:

  1. Lactose Tolerance Test: Which involves fasting overnight and then drinking a liquid that contains a high amount of lactose. Blood samples are then taken at intervals to measure the body’s response to digesting lactose based on changes in blood glucose levels. An increase in blood glucose demonstrates lactose digestion.
  2. Hydrogen Breath Test: Following an overnight fast the patient drinks a concentrated lactose solution. Breath samples are then analysed for the presence of hydrogen. In cases of lactose intolerance bacteria in the colon will ferment lactose, leading to the release of hydrogen.
  3. Stool Acidity Test: This test is often used for infants and young children. It measures the acidity of stool after consuming lactose. Undigested lactose in the colon can make the stool more acidic.
  4. Genetic Testing: Genetic tests can determine if you have genetic variants associated with lactose intolerance or more specifically lactase persistence, such as the C/T13910 polymorphism test, but they may not necessarily indicate the presence or severity of symptoms.
  5. Elimination Diet: Some people choose to identify lactose intolerance by eliminating dairy products from their diet and then reintroducing them to see if symptoms recur.

How does the Lactose Intolerance Quick Test compare to the hydrogen breath test?

In a study comparing the Lactose Intolerance Quick Test to the hydrogen breath test (H2BT) the concordance was 81%. However, the LIQT appears to correctly identify more cases of adult type hypolactasia in a subgroup of patients who have low H2 production using H2BT (false negatives) and when methane (CH4) production is taken into account in these patients to maximise the sensitivity using a combined methane and hydrogen breath test the concordance increased to 96%.

What causes lactose intolerance?

If a patient presents with symptoms of lactose intolerance it is important to understand the patient’s medical and family history. Lactose intolerance symptoms usually develop gradually over time as the individual ages – adult type hypolactasia is actually a normal phenomenon that begins to occur post-weaning. However, around 1/3 of individuals retain the ability to digest lactose throughout their life through prolonged lactase expression. Lactose intolerance is also more likely to occur in certain populations with a wide distribution of disease prevalence across the globe.

 

Other factors can cause lactose intolerance too:

 

  • Infection or illness that affects the digestive system (e.g. Crohn’s disease or gastroenteritis).
  • Surgery or injury to the small intestine.
  • Certain medications or treatments that affect lactase production.
  • Aging, as lactase production tends to decrease with age in some individuals.

 

It’s important to note that lactose intolerance can also be a lifelong condition, and some people may have a genetic predisposition to it from birth. If you suspect your patient has lactose intolerance or experiences symptoms, proper diagnosis and management is key.

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