Lactose Breath Hydrogen Test for the Diagnosis of Lactose Malabsorption

摘要

The Office of Health Technology Assessment (OHTA) emphasizes three basic principles in its assessment activities: (1) broad and open participation both within and outside of the Federal government, (2) reliance on the expertise and research abilities of outside organizations and individuals, and (3) broad dissemination of assessment reports. This assessment focuses on the lactose breath hydrogen test (BHT) for the diagnosis of lactose malabsorption. The peer-reviewed published literature clearly supports the rationale for the lactose BHT and supports the argument on behalf of its safety and sensitivity in demonstrating lactose malabsorption. There also appears to be little controversy in the medical community regarding the lactose BHT's safety and its ability to detect lactose malabsorption. However, a normal lactose BHT does not by itself rule out secondary mucosal lesions or partial lactose deficiency.