For more than 30 years, Direct Endoscopy has been trusted to deliver specialist gastroenterology services across Melbourne. Our hospitals offer hydrogen breath testing, a safe, non-invasive procedure that helps identify common digestive conditions such as lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Performed under the supervision of our experienced gastroenterologists, the test provides accurate results to guide tailored treatment and dietary management.
TWO SIMPLE STEPS
Our Process
If you need our services for a Hydrogen Breath Test, just follow these two easy steps:
Get a Referral from Your GP
Download and print the referral form and take it to your regular GP. Your doctor will complete the form and refer you to Direct Endoscopy for the appropriate service.
Make an Appointment
Once your GP has completed the referral form, it’s time to book your consultation. Call our team on 03 9781 5959 and we’ll help you choose a suitable appointment date that works for you. Please note that we only perform these tests at our Hampton Day Hospital site.
Get a Referral from Your GP
Download and print the referral form and take it to your regular GP. Your doctor will complete the form and refer you to Direct Endoscopy for the appropriate service.
Make an Appointment
Once your GP has completed the referral form, it’s time to book your consultation. Call our team on 03 9781 5959 and we’ll help you choose a suitable appointment date that works for you. Please note that we only perform these tests at our Hampton Day Hospital site.
Understanding the Procedure
What Is Hydrogen Breath Testing?
The hydrogen breath test measures the amount of hydrogen and methane gases in your breath after consuming a sugar solution (such as lactose or fructose). Elevated gas levels indicate that the sugar is not being properly absorbed in the small intestine, which can cause symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and excess gas. The test is an important diagnostic tool to help distinguish between dietary intolerances and other gastrointestinal conditions.
What to Expect
Preparation: You’ll receive clear instructions prior to your appointment. This usually includes following a restricted diet and fasting for several hours before the test.
Baseline Measurement: A breath sample is collected before starting to establish baseline levels.
Sugar Solution: You will drink a solution containing a measured dose of lactose, fructose, or another sugar being tested.
Sample Collection: Breath samples are collected at regular intervals over the next 2–3 hours to monitor hydrogen and methane production.
Analysis & Results: Your specialist will analyse the results to confirm whether malabsorption or bacterial overgrowth is present, and advise on the next steps in management.
Contact Us
With over 30 years of experience and more than half a million endoscopic procedures performed, Direct Endoscopy is one of Melbourne’s most established providers of gastroenterology and digestive health services. Our specialist gastroenterologists lead the way in colonoscopy, gastroscopy, and capsule endoscopy, delivering accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment in fully accredited hospital settings.
We provide comprehensive care across all areas of digestive health, from bowel cancer prevention and liver disease management to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and beyond.
Specialist-Led. Patient-Focused.
Expert-Led Patient Care
With over 30 years of experience and more than half a million endoscopic procedures performed, Direct Endoscopy is one of Melbourne’s most established providers of gastroenterology and digestive health services. Our specialist gastroenterologists lead the way in colonoscopy, gastroscopy, and capsule endoscopy, delivering accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment in fully accredited hospital settings.
We provide comprehensive care across all areas of digestive health, from bowel cancer prevention and liver disease management to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and beyond.