also known as Lactose tolerance in Serum or Plasma Narrative
The Lactose Intolerance Tolerance Test is a diagnostic blood test designed to determine how your body processes lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. Unlike allergy testing, this test evaluates how well your digestive system breaks down lactose after consumption, helping identify true lactose intolerance rather than an immune reaction. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. When lactose is not properly broken down, it can cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, gas, nausea, diarrhea, and in some cases skin reactions. These symptoms can significantly affect daily comfort and quality of life. This test measures how your blood glucose levels respond after ingesting a controlled dose of lactose. In individuals who properly digest lactose, blood glucose levels rise as lactose is broken down into glucose and absorbed. In those with lactose intolerance, blood glucose levels rise minimally or not at all, indicating impaired lactose digestion. Because lactose intolerance often develops gradually over time and is especially common in adults, many people live with symptoms for years without realizing the cause. This test provides clear, objective insight so you can make informed dietary decisions and avoid unnecessary discomfort. What Is Included In This Test? This test includes multiple timed blood draws to assess lactose digestion. The testing process includes: • A fasting blood sample • Consumption of a 50 gram lactose solution • Follow up blood samples collected at multiple intervals after lactose ingestion • Measurement of blood glucose response over time Why Does This Test Matter? Digestive symptoms related to lactose intolerance are often mistaken for other gastrointestinal conditions, leading to unnecessary dietary restrictions or delayed diagnosis. This test helps clearly identify whether lactose is the cause of your symptoms. Accurate diagnosis allows you to manage symptoms more effectively by adjusting dairy intake rather than eliminating entire food groups unnecessarily. It also helps distinguish lactose intolerance from milk allergies, which involve the immune system and require different management. Because lactose intolerance affects a large percentage of adults and often worsens with age, testing provides clarity for long term dietary planning and digestive comfort. Understanding your lactose tolerance empowers you to make confident nutrition choices, reduce digestive distress, and improve overall quality of life. Who Should Consider This Test? This test may be helpful for individuals experiencing digestive symptoms after consuming dairy products. You should consider this test if you: • Experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea after dairy consumption • Have unexplained abdominal discomfort • Suspect lactose intolerance but want confirmation • Want to distinguish lactose intolerance from a milk allergy • Have a family history of lactose intolerance • Are part of a population with higher prevalence of lactose intolerance Convenient, No-Appointment Testing To complete your test: Order online through our website Use the lab locator to find a nearby testing location Walk in; no appointment required Access your results securely in your HealthLabs.com account within one to three business days 110% Price Guarantee! If you find the same test for a lower price from a comparable provider, contact us. We not only match the price, we beat it by an additional 10 percent of the difference.