Urea Breath Test for H. Pylori (Helicobacter Pylori)

Pediatric and Adults

Helicobacter Pylori (H.Pylori) is a bacteria responsible for most ulcers and many cases of chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach). This organism can weaken the protective coating of the stomach and duodenum (first part of the small intestines), allowing the damaging digestive juices to irritate the sensitive lining of these body parts.

Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Dyspepsia or indigestion
• Bloating and fullness
• Mild nausea (may be relieved by vomiting)
• Belching and regurgitation
• Feeling very hungry 1 to 3 hours after eating

WHY you should test for H. Pylori?

• Accurate, rapid diagnosis of H. Pylori infection
• FDA-cleared for confirmation of cure
• Easy on patient
• H. Pylori is a Class 1 carcinogen

WHO should take the test?

• Patients previously infected
• Patients on PPI�s or NSAIDs
• Patients with dyspepsia
• Recommend testing all symptomatic family members

WHEN should you take the test?

• Before prescribing PPI�s or NSAIDs
• Following resection of early gastric cancer and for low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma
• After treatment for H. Pylori to confirm cure
• Patient is still symptomatic

HOW is the test performed?

• A sample is taken by having the patient inhale, hold their breath for 4-5 seconds, and then exhale into a special collection bag.
• The patient then drinks a special solution using a plastic straw provided by lab personnel.
• The patient waits 15 minutes, and then a second breath sample is taken in another collection bag using the same procedure as Step 1.

For the most accurate results:

• The patient should have no food for at least 1 hour before the test.
• The patient should have not taken antimicrobials, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or bismuth preparations for 2 weeks prior test.