Rapid and portable methods of lactose tolerance test administration

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Lactose intolerance diagnosis relies on accurate blood glucose monitoring during lactose tolerance tests.
• Standardized methods can be cumbersome, necessitating investigation into abbreviated, portable alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Ames Reflectance Meter/Dextrostix system as a portable method for lactose tolerance testing.
• To compare its results against the standard AutoAnalyzer method.
• To assess the impact of omitting the final blood sample on test outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Lactose tolerance tests were administered to subjects.
• Blood glucose levels were measured using both the Ames Reflectance Meter/Dextrostix system and the AutoAnalyzer.
• Subjects with a maximum blood glucose rise below 20 mg/100 ml were classified as lactose nondigesters.

Main Results:

• The Ames Reflectance Meter/Dextrostix system demonstrated highly similar results to the AutoAnalyzer for determining maximum blood glucose rise and diagnosing lactose nondigesters.
• Maximum blood glucose elevations typically occurred before the final sample collection in both methods.
• Omitting the final blood sample did not alter the diagnostic outcome of the lactose tolerance test in any case.

Conclusions:

• The Ames Reflectance Meter/Dextrostix system provides a reliable and portable alternative for lactose tolerance testing.
• Abbreviated testing protocols, including the omission of the final blood sample, are valid for diagnosing lactose intolerance.