Inulin (Diagnostic)

Before Having This Test

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, the risks of the test must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. Also, test results may be affected by other things. For inulin, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to inulin. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy - Inulin has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding - Inulin has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children - This medicine has been used in children. In effective doses, inulin has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Older adults - Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing the use of inulin in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of inulin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Heart disease or
• Liver disease or
• Underactive adrenal gland or
• Underactive thyroid - These conditions may affect the inulin test results by reducing the amount of inulin that is cleared from the blood

Preparation for This Test

Your doctor may ask you to drink a certain amount of water before and during the test. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully . Otherwise, this test may not work and may have to be done again.