European guideline on indications, performance, and clinical impact of hydrogen and methane breath tests in adult and pediatric patients: European Association for Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and Nutrition, European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, and European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition consensus

Abstract

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Delayed Analysis of Hydrogen-Methane Breath Samples

“…Breath samples for H 2 testing are stable for 6 hours at room temperature, and if analysis is delayed further, storage at −20°C has been recommended [ 15 16 ]. This statement was recently confirmed by the consensus published by the European Association for Gastroenterology, Endoscopy, and Nutrition; the European Society of Neurogastroenterology, and Motility; and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition consensus [ 5 ]. Our data indicate that H 2 levels remain stable for longer than 24 hours at room temperature in the material used.…”

“…The mean age of the children was 9.8 years (standard deviation [SD], ±3.2 years; median age, 9.4 years). Since parents recorded the appearance of symptoms, malabsorption and intolerance could easily be differentiated (although the clinical outcome was not the goal of this study) [ 5 ].…”

“…Regardless of whether the additional determination of CH 4 levels is clinically relevant or not, the overall detection rate of carbohydrate malabsorption is not significantly affected by additional measurements of CH 4 [ 5 17 ]. The possible increase in test accuracy related to this extra measurement must be weighed against the increased costs of equipment and more complex breath collection.…”

Re: European guideline on indications, performance, and clinical impact of hydrogen and methane breath tests in adult and pediatric patients

“…We welcome the work of the authors in developing a well-considered clinical guideline aimed to improve consistency in the use of hydrogen (H 2 ) -methane (CH 4 ) breath testing. 1 Research we published in 2 January021, 2 which would not have been considered in the European Guideline, suggests that recommendation 1.6: "To reduce the risk of H 2 production from oral bacteria, the oral cavity should be rinsed with an antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine) immediately before the first (baseline) breath measurements are obtained" should be re-evaluated.…”

How to get new guidelines in United European Gastroenterology: Follow the gold!

“…The guidelines will help raise awareness about their indications, performances and clinical impact. 9,10 Providing high quality guidelines is continuing process through the activity grants. It is just the first step, we are looking forward to the implementation and dissemination phase.…”