Helicobacter pylori, Urea Breath Test, Pediatric
Also known as: Breath Test, H. pylori, UBiT, Urea Breath Test
Use
Helicobacter pylori is a gram‑negative microaerophilic curved bacillus with an affinity for human gastric mucosa. It’s a well‑documented pathogen linked to chronic active gastritis, duodenal and gastric ulcers. The PyloPlus® (BreathTek) Urea Breath Test provides a noninvasive, nonhazardous means of detecting active H. pylori infection via analysis of paired breath specimens. This modality is suitable for pediatric patients aged 3–17, offering a reliable diagnostic and treatment‑monitoring tool in this population.
Special Instructions
Collection requires paired breath samples (pre and post ingestion) collected in PyloPlus® (BreathTek) UBT Collection Kit breath bags (blue & pink) and must be submitted together. Patients must fast at least one hour before baseline collection. Recent use of antimicrobials, proton pump inhibitors, or bismuth preparations within two weeks may result in false negatives. Insufficient data exist on pregnant or lactating women. The test is designated for patients aged 3–17; patients above 17 must use the adult test code.
Limitations
Specimens from patients younger than 3 years are not acceptable. Insufficient breath volume, single collection bag submitted, uncapped bags, or use of non‑PyloPlus UBT collection bags will lead to rejection. Recent medications (antimicrobials, PPIs, bismuth) may suppress H. pylori and yield false negatives. Stability outside specified conditions may also compromise results. The test has not been validated in pregnant or lactating individuals.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
PyloPlus® (BreathTek) UBT Collection Kit breath bags (paired pre‑ and post‑ samples, blue & pink)
Collection Instructions
Paired breath samples (pre and post), collected in PyloPlus® UBT Collection Kit bags, must be submitted together; ensure caps are secured tightly.
Patient Preparation
Fast at least one hour before baseline collection; discontinue antimicrobials, proton pump inhibitors, or bismuth preparations for two weeks prior.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature transport; do not refrigerate or freeze.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens from patients <3 years old; insufficient breath; single bags; non‑PyloPlus UBT bags; uncapped bags.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | Unacceptable |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |