Lactose Intolerance Quick Test

Detection of Lactose Intolerance from a Biopsy Sample

 

Lactose intolerance (hypolactasia) results in inability to digest lactose, the predominant sugar of milk. This inability results from a shortage of the lactase enzyme, which is produced in the small intestine. Lactase breaks down milk sugar (lactose) into simpler forms (glucose and galactose), which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream.

 

Lactase activity begins to decrease after weaning. One-third of the adult population worldwide retains the ability to digest lactose. It is estimated that approx. 15-20% of Western and Northern Europeans, and 90% of Asian, African and native Americans suffer from lactose intolerance. Often the symptoms remain undiagnosed, and, thus lactose intolerance may not be treated for years.

 

Lactose intolerance may cause following gastrointestinal symptoms after the intake of lactose:

• Nausea
• Flatulence
• Abdominal bloating, cramps, pain
• Diarrhea

The patients seeking medical treatment for the symptoms

caused by lactose intolerance are often ordered to an upper

intestinal endoscopy. However, lactose intolerance cannot

be diagnosed on the basis of gastroscopy alone or the

microscopical evaluation of biopsy samples. The lack of the lactase enzyme must be determined biochemically from a biopsy sample or on the basis of a lactose load test or a breath hydrogen test. All these tests are uncomfortable for the patient, time-consuming, and expensive. Until recently, the above investigations have been the only means for diagnosing this disorder.

 

However, Biohit’s unique Point of Care (POC) -test in connection to gastroscopy enables a quick diagnosis of the patients suffering from lactose intolerance. The biopsy specimen taken from the mucosa of the upper part of the small intestine is examined immediately. The development of the color in the test liquid after 20 minutes informs whether the lactase enzyme is present in the biopsy sample or not. In case of a normal biopsy sample, the color develops as the lactase enzyme of the biopsy sample breaks down the milk sugar added to the test buffer. However, if there is no or only a slight color reaction it can be concluded that the patient suffers from lactose intolerance.

 

The test is a simple procedure with ready for use reagents, requires no special equipment and enables easy visual interpretation.

 

The assay proceeds according to the following reactions:

 

1.       In the first step the lactase enzyme in the biopsy specimen breaks down the lactose substrate, into monosaccharides, glucose and galactose.

 

2.       In the second, signal reaction step, the amount of glucose is detected by using a chromogen solution and the signal reaction solution, resulting in the formation of a colored compound.

 

Biohit Lactose Intolerance Quick Test kit* is available in two package sizes:

• Cat. No. 602 010 contains reagents and plates for 25 tests
• Cat. No. 602 012 contains reagents and plates for 10 tests

*In the USA: For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Pending FDA clearance.