Method for diagnosing lactose intolerance and diagnostic kit for performing the method

Abstract

The method for diagnosing lactose intolerance in patients by the oral administration of defined amounts of lactose, followed by assaying metabolites of lactose, is performed in a way where the lactose administered contains 99% 13 -labeled lactose, preferably from 5 to 30 mg, and after the administration of the 13 C-lactose, the content of 13 C-labeled lactose is determined in a serum sample taken at a defined time after the administration. A diagnostic kit for performing the method consists of a capsule with from 5 to 30 mg of 99% 13 C-labeled lactose, a patient instruction manual, a blood sampling device, sample containers for collecting the blood sample, and optionally a spatula and sample container for a stool specimen.

1 - 7 . (canceled)  
   
   
       8 . A diagnostic kit for performing a method for diagnosing lactose intolerance in patients by the oral administration of defined amounts of lactose, followed by assaying metabolites of lactose, characterized in that the lactose administered contains 99%  13 C-labeled lactose, and after the administration of the  13 C-lactose, the content of  13 C-labeled lactose is determined in a serum sample taken at a defined time after the administration, the amount of 99% 1 3 C-lactose administered being from 5 to 30 mg., the kit comprising 
 a) from 5 to 30 mg of 99%  13 C-labeled lactose in a capsule,    b) a patient instruction manual,    c) a blood sampling device, and    d) a sample container for collecting the blood sample.    
   
   
       9 . The kit of  claim 8  further comprising 
 e) a sample container and spatula for a stool specimen.