Urea Breath Test for Helicobacter pylori

By appointment only.

Collections are available at all Patient Service Centre sites on an appointment basis. Collection is NOT available at acute care sites (hospitals).

Test takes about 1 hr to complete. Patient MUST be fasting - nothing to eat, chew, or drink (including water) - for at least 4 h before the test, and continue to fast during the 30 minute wait period. Brushing of the teeth is permitted at any time prior to testing. Minimal ingestion of tooth paste or water during brushing and rinsing of the mouth is acceptable.

Patient Instruction Sheet Form # CH3067

Urea Breath test drink is lactose free.
The following groups of medications should not be used prior to the test:
 Proton pump inhibitors (H+, K+ - ATPase Inhibitor) –  3 days
 (e.g. Losec, Prevacid, Pantoloc, Nexium, Pariet)
 Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonists – 1 day (e.g. Tagamet, 
 Zantac, Pepcid, Axid, Pylorid, Cimetidine)
 Antacids - 1 day (e.g. Tums, Rolaids, etc.)
 Antibiotics – 4 weeks
 Bismuth preparations – 2 weeks (e.g. Peptol Bismol)

It is recommended that the patient avoid smoking from the beginning of the 4 hour fast until completion of the test.

The Urea Breath Test should be scheduled prior to barium tests if both are scheduled for the same day. No other breath tests should be scheduled at the same time. If particulate matter is visible in the reconstituted 13C-urea solution after thorough mixing, the solution should not be consumed.

Note: Test is not recommended for patients less than 6 years of age.
          An alternate test (H. pylori Stool Antigen) is available for this age group.

Additional information:

•  AMA Clinical Practice Guidelines:
  www.topalbertadoctors.org
  
  
•  Please call Chemistry - DSC for further information at 403-770-3579

The drink provided for this test includes the following ingredients:

• C¹³ (safe for pregnant women)
• Urea
• Citric acid
• Manitol
• Orange flavour crystal - USP grade