C14 Helicobacter Breath Test (Urea Breath Test)

The 14C-Urea Breath Test is considered to be the ‘gold standard’ non-invasive diagnostic method for detection of the presence of current infection with H. pylori in the stomach. The 14C-Urea Breath Test offers highly accurate and reliable diagnosis of H. pylori infection. It is also useful for post-treatment follow-up to demonstrate H. pylori eradication.

The C14-PY test measures the amount of the enzyme, urease, produced by H.pylori in the stomach by detecting the presence of the labelled carbon dioxide in the exhaled air.

Important notes:

For pregnant/breastfeeding women and children under 10 years of age

Although the radiation dose is extremely small, the test has not been sufficiently trialled in children or pregnancy to recommend the test in these groups.
Please note that Laverty pathology offers faecal antigen detection as an alternative to the Urea breath test. Please discuss with your doctor the most suitable test for you.

Pre-test preparation

With consent from your doctor, stop the following medications:

1. Antibiotics and bismuth-containing products 1 month prior to testing.
2. Cyto-protective medicines, e.g., sucralfate, Carafate, Ulcyte, 2 weeks prior to testing
3. Proton pump inhibitors 1 week prior to testing; e.g., Losec, Maxor, Nexium, Pariet, Somac, Zoton etc.
4. You may continue taking antacids: e.g., Eno, Gastrogel, Gaviscon, Mylanta, Rennie, etc.

On the day of the test

You must not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to taking the test. This includes water.

You must not smoke for at least 2 hours prior to the test.

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