Fructose and lactose testing

This article forms part of our 'Tests and results' series for 2012, which aims to provide information about common tests that general practitioners order regularly. It considers areas such as indications, what to tell the patient, what the test can and cannot tell you, and interpretation of results. Functional gut symptoms are a common problem in the community and many patients present to their general practitioner for assessment and guidance.While part of the GP's role is excluding other pathology, helping patients to manage their symptoms is also important.