Tests that may be helpful

Almost all people with ME/CFS will have at least one food intolerance, many may be un-symptomatic (de Meirleir, 2009; Lewis, 2009).

Neurotoxic Metabolite (H2S) Test

A rapid early morning urine test for detecting increased blood levels of hydrogen sulfide, which can cause metabolic dysfunction. This test is available for GPs to order from Life Bioscience, and costs around $60. This test is not eligible for a Medicare rebate.  Approximately 80% of those with ME/CFS will have a positive result to the H2S test. This test is a biomarker for gut dysbiosis (de Meirleir, 2009).

Food Detective Test

A finger-prick blood test for fifty specific food IgG (intolerance) in patients’ blood. This test is available for GPs to order from Life Bioscience, and is easily performed by a practice nurse. Cost is approximately $150 and the results are available immediately. This test is not eligible for a Medicare rebate.

For further details, or to order these kits, please phone 1800 114 610 or visit http://www.lifebioscience.com.au.

Hydrogen Breath Tests: Fructose and Lactose

A recent study on patients with ME/CFS (n=271) found that 65% had a fructose malabsorption, and 45% had a lactose intolerance (de Meirleir, 2009; Lewis, 2009).

Hydrogen breath tests assist in the diagnosis of fructose and lactose malabsorption. For those unable to leave the house or with limited energy levels, home breath testing kits are available from:

• The Royal Melbourne Hospital, contact: 0410 688 862, or email melbournebreathtesting@gmail.com.
• Stream Diagnostics, contact (03) 9890 2666, or email: headoffice@streamdiagnostics.com.au

Tests can also be taken at:

• Ventil-Ate
  • 1945 Malvern Road,
    East Malvern VIC 3145
    Phone (03) 9885 5739; Fax (03) 9885 4916
    Referral required
• North Eastern Gastroenterology
  • Austin Private Consulting Suites
    226 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg VIC 3084
    Phone (03) 9459 9522; Fax (03) 9457 1726
    Referral required
• Gastro Lab
  • Central phone: Bookings: 1300 624 771; Enquiries: (03) 9331 3122; Fax: (03) 9331 3133
  • Essendon Private Hospital
    35 Rosehill Road, West Essendon VIC 3040
  • Hobsons Bay Endoscopy
    179 Princes Highway, Werribee VIC 3030
  • John Fawkner Private Hospital
    275 Moreland Road, Coburg VIC 3058
  • Goulburn Valley Health Specialist Consulting Suites
    Graham Street, Shepparton VIC 3630
    GP referral required for all centres
• Stream Diagnostics
  • Central phone: (03) 9890 2666; email: headoffice@streamdiagnostics.com.au
  • Head Office: Box Hill
    544 Elgar Road, Box Hill VIC 3128
  • Kew
    1149 Burke Road, Kew VIC 3101
  • Brighton
    Level 1, 412 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186
  • Box Hill Hospital
    5 Arnold Street, Box Hill VIC 3128
    GP or dietician referral required for all centres except Box Hill Hospital.
    Rates reduced for Health Care Card holders.

Under the Medicare Allied Health Services Chronic Illness Plan, people with ME/CFS are entitled to have up to six visits to a dietician. Please refer any ME/CFS patients to a dietician should a positive result be demonstrated to food malabsorption in order to ensure they have adequate support to eliminate all food intolerances from their diet.