Urea Breath Test

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KEY POINTS

• The urea breath analysis test is used to check for H. pylori, which are bacteria that can cause stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, bloating, and ulcers.
• You may need to avoid taking certain medicines before the test, but ask your provider before you stop taking any of your regular medicines.
• Ask your healthcare provider when and how you will get the result of your test.

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What is the urea breath test?

The urea breath test is a noninvasive way to diagnose stomach problems such as ulcers. For this test, you swallow a capsule and then blow into a special balloon.

Why is it done?

The urea breath test is used to check for H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori). H. pylori are a kind of bacteria that can cause stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, and bloating. H. pylori can also cause raw places or sores called ulcers in your stomach and intestine. Your healthcare provider may give you an H. pylori test both before and after you receive treatment for your ulcer.

How do I prepare for this test?

• You may need to avoid taking certain medicines such as antibiotics, Pepto Bismol, or some medicines to treat stomach acid up to one month before the test. These medicines can affect the test result. Make sure your healthcare provider knows about any medicines, herbs, or supplements that you are taking. Ask your provider before you stop taking any of your regular medicines.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• Tell your provider if you think you might be pregnant or you have been trying to get pregnant.
• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions.

How is the test done?

This test will take about 10 minutes.

1. You will breathe into a balloon. This is sent to a lab for a baseline reading.
2. You will swallow a capsule or drink a small amount of liquid. The capsule or liquid contains a chemical called urea and a radioactive tracer that helps make H. pylori bacteria visible.
3. You will wait 10 to 15 minutes.
4. You will then breathe into a second balloon. This balloon is also sent to a lab for comparison to the air in the first balloon.

Ask your healthcare provider when and how you will get the result of your test.

What does the test result mean?

Usually, a positive test means that you have H. pylori, and a negative (normal) result means that you do not have H. pylori.

What if my test result is not normal?

Test results are only one part of a larger picture that takes into account your medical history and current health. Sometimes a test needs to be repeated to check the first result. Talk to your healthcare provider about your result and ask questions, such as:

• If you need more tests
• What kind of treatment you may need
• What lifestyle, diet, or other changes you might need to make