MEC breath test product line has been developed to provide quick and reliable diagnosis of gastro-intestinal disorders measuring carbohydrate breakdown deficiencies and/or malabsorption. The technique of exhaled air monitoring is normally well tolerated by patients of all ages because testing is simple and non-invasive. Patients’ examination is performed after a period of fasting and an exam lasts between 2-4 hours depending on the applications.
USB communication allows interfacing the equipment to a PC software MEC Patient Data Interface (PDI). It offers many advantages such as direct integration of data in the patient file, online measurement and nice reporting… It has also the possibility to export results to the Hospital Informatics System (XML, HL7, etc.)
Hydrogen (H2) is produced in the intestinal lumen by bacteriological breakdown of carbohydrates and its detection helps clinicians to understand digestive problems. It is also important to measure carbon dioxide concentration (CO2) in the breath to determine whether the breath samples for analysis are alveolar, otherwise results can be underestimated as the breath samples that are being analyzed may be contaminated (either with room air or bronchial dead space air).
Hydrogen and methane are gases produced in the intestinal lumen by bacteriological breakdown of carbohydrates. The Lactotest 102 and 202 have been developed to provide quick and reliable diagnosis of gastro-intestinal disorders measuring carbohydrate breakdown deficiencies and/or malabsorption. The technique of exhaled breath hydrogen monitoring is normally well tolerated by patients of all ages. The test is simple, non-invasive and is performed after a short period of fasting (typically 8-12 hours). Many studies have shown that some patients (approximately 35% or more) do not produce hydrogen but actually produce methane. Some patients produce a combination of both gases.
Lactotest 102 detects hydrogen (H2) thanks to an electrochemical sensor with thermal compensation. The sensor has a long lifetime of 3 years. In order to have reliable results, MEC Lactotests work with sampling system so that sensor is not affected by heat and humidity of the mouth. Different kits are adapted to neonates, infants, children and adults making the instrument patient friendly. The device is easy to use by medical staff and it does not require specific knowledge. It is recommended to calibrate the device each day before performing test on patients. Calibration is easily carried out and it takes not more than 3 minutes. Testing require no consumables and very few maintenance.
Hydrogen (H2) is one of the gases produced in the intestinal lumen by bacteriological breakdown of carbohydrates. However, many studies have shown that approximately 30% of patients produce methane (CH4). Detection of both gases is complementary and it helps people to know about their digestive problems. It is also important to measure carbon dioxide (CO2) in the breath to determine whether the breath samples that are being analyzed are not contaminated either with room air or bronchial dead space air. The Lactotest system is an open and evolutive solution:
