  Attention! Changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic!

The laboratory accepts clients and patients in person strictly by prior appointment. To apply for a visit, write to info@genera.lv or call us 26267833! We recommend that you perform the DNA test remotely. More information here.

Lactose intolerance DNA test in adults

  Attention! Important information!

NOT RECOMMENDED! This genetic test is not suitable for infants and young children. The genetically determined lactose intolerance, the possibility of which we are testing, develops from adolescence onwards, not earlier. The results of this test are not be informative for infants and young children. Similarly, people who do not have the mutations we test for (in this case, the mutation has allowed the person to drink milk without symptoms) do not always develop lactose intolerance.

Therefore, we recommend the test to adults who have consulted their doctor.

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance means that the digestive system is unable to digest the food that contains milk sugar, lactose, because the body does not produce a special enzyme: lactase.

In early childhood, the amount of lactase is usually sufficient because nature has provided for us all to exclusively consume our mother’s milk for some time after birth. As the person grows, this ability can change.

Depending on the inherited genes, the amount of lactase in an adult is sufficient or decreases significantly over the years. Milk sugar that has not been broken down is not absorbed through the intestinal wall and, remaining in the digestive system, serves as a food for various bacteria, which can cause:

• Discomfort in the abdomen

• Gas

• Diarrhoea

• Abdominal pain etc.

Complaints of such disruptions in digestion are common. Lactose intolerance does not pose a particularly high health risk, but its prevention can significantly improve your well-being and quality of life.

DNA test description

It is difficult to diagnose lactose intolerance only by symptoms, as many diseases cause similar indigestion. Various breath tests are typically used, which detect changes in the gases exhaled after drinking lactose. However, these tests are relatively inaccurate and time-consuming.

We offer a simple and accurate genetic test for lactose intolerance. The gene test will determine if you have or do not have the mutation in the LCT gene that is responsible for the lack of lactase in your body. Such testing is the most accurate and will allow you to decide in cooperation with your doctor on the further treatment and adjustment of the diet if lactose intolerance is found. 

What to do if lactose intolerance is found?

Indigestion caused by lactose intolerance can be prevented by:

• Including low-lactose dairy products in the diet or avoiding lactose-containing products altogether.

• Following the same diet as before but according to the doctor’s assessment and recommendation using lactase-containing medicines that help break down the milk sugar.

  Important!

With a doctor’s referral (for a complete list, see the “Prices”) section) medical DNA tests (except for the prenatal NIPT “Panorama” test for pregnant women) are paid for by the NHS. Important! The NHS only pays for the test if the referral is issued as part of an NHS-paid visit, and the doctor has a contract with the NHS. Referrals issued during a paid visit will not be valid. Quotas are available.

The sample for DNA testing can be submitted at any branch of our partner - Centrālajā laboratorijā.

You can also order all offered DNA tests at full price. Remote contactless testing is available for both paid and NHS-referred tests. All medical DNA tests can be performed remotely, except for tests on pregnant women, where a blood sample must be collected. 

  +371 26 267 833

   info@genera.lv

 Mārupes iela 22, Rīga