Helicobacter pylori Breath Test
Use
The Helicobacter pylori breath test is used for diagnosing active H. pylori infection in patients. It also monitors the response to therapy. H. pylori is known to cause gastritis, duodenal ulcers, and gastric ulcers. The test is beneficial because it is noninvasive and can detect low levels of H. pylori, which allows for comprehensive assessment of the gastric mucosa, avoiding the sampling errors inherent in biopsy-based methods.
Special Instructions
This test should not be administered if the patient is allergic to citric acid or if the provided preparation instructions are not followed. For effective accuracy, patients must avoid proton-pump inhibitors, histamine 2-receptor antagonists, bismuth compounds, and antibiotics for specified periods before testing. Special attention should be paid to the test preparation instructions and the handling of the breath test kit.
Limitations
A negative result does not exclude the possibility of H. pylori infection. Testing should only be performed if treatment is planned, as per guidelines. Certain medications and conditions may affect test results, such as proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, and H2-receptor antagonists. False-positive results may occur due to urease from other gastric bacteria or in patients with specific conditions like achlorhydria. The test should not be performed until at least four weeks after eradication therapy, pregnancy, and lactation conditions have insufficient data for recommendations.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Other (Qualitative Spectrophotometry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 29891-9
- 29891-9
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Bag of 'breath' must be full
Container
BREATH TEST BAG
Collection Instructions
Follow instructions included with kit. Mix (13)C-Urea Tablet and Citrica powder in water, ensuring thorough dissolution.
Patient Preparation
Avoid certain medications and antibiotics for specified times before testing. Fasting for 1 hour before test is required.
Causes for Rejection
No specimen should be rejected.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |