13C Urea Breath Test for Helicobacter pylori
A 13C Urea breath test has been requested by your doctor to look for the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. This test may be performed:
- If your doctor thinks you have a bacterial infection in your stomach.
- After you have received treatment for an infection, to see if the antibiotics have worked successfully.
Prior to the test
If you have had any antibiotics in the 6 weeks prior to your test date please contact the GI Physiology Unit as soon as possible.
Do not have anything to eat or drink 6 hours before the test (but you may have small sips of water).
Stop any acid suppressing medication 7 days prior to the test. This includes:
- Ranitidine (Zantac)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Omeprazole
- Pantoprazole
- Rabeprazole
- Esomeprazole
- Lansoprazole
Stop antacids such as Gaviscon and Rennies 24 hours prior to the test.
What does the test involve?
You will be in the department for approximately 40 minutes. You will be asked to give small breath samples by blowing through a tube into a collection bag. You will be given a drink of orange juice containing 13C urea dissolved in water. The test is not invasive or painful and does not involve radiation and you may resume as normal following the test.
Your results will be sent back to your GP (and referring doctor if you were referred by a specialist) within a few days of having the test. There should be no side effects from having this test. If after reading this leaflet you have any queries about the test please contact the GI Physiology unit on 0151 529 0411.
Review Date: May 2022