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Can we shorten the lactose tolerance test?
J L Domínguez Jiménez1, A Fernández Suárez2
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Agencia Sanitaria Alto Guadalquivir, Alto Guadalquivir Hospital, Andújar-Jaén, Spain.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|November 28, 2013
Summary
Reducing the lactose tolerance test (LTT) duration by removing the 120-minute measurement accurately detects lactose malabsorption (LM) and saves healthcare costs. Eliminating the 30-minute point, however, risks misinterpretation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Lactose malabsorption (LM) is highly prevalent, particularly in Southern Europe.
- The lactose tolerance test (LTT) is a common, cost-effective diagnostic tool used in local hospitals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if reducing LTT duration impacts diagnostic accuracy for LM.
- To quantify potential cost savings from a shortened LTT.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study analyzed consecutive patients undergoing LTT for suspected LM.
- Clinical results and costs were compared for LTT with and without 30- and 120-minute glucose measurements.
Main Results:
- In 201 patients, omitting the 120-minute LTT measurement did not affect diagnostic interpretation.
- Suppressing the 30-minute LTT point led to misinterpretation in 18.4% of cases.
- Eliminating the 120-minute LTT measurement could save €41,334.
Conclusions:
- The 120-minute LTT measurement can be removed without compromising clinical results.
- Shortening LTT by removing the 120-minute point reduces patient wait times and benefits the healthcare system through savings in time, labor, and materials.
