General Information
The C14 Urea Breath Test (UBT) is a tool used to diagnose Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) which is one of the most common human bacterial infections. This bacteria invades the mucosal lining of the stomach and frequently responsible for the development of duodenal and gastric ulcers. It has also been associated with gastric cancer and lymphoma.
Although H.pylori can be carried with no signs or symptoms it can cause symptoms include burning pain in the upper portion of the abdomen, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, burping and loss of appetite. More information on H.pylori, complications, mode of transmission, additional investigations and treatments alternatives can be found by clicking this link: https://centrefordigestivediseases.com/for-patients/treatments/resistant-helicobacter-pylori/.
Urea Breath Tests provides a rapid, non-invasive way of detecting the presence of an active infection and is often used to check following treatment to check whether eradication has been successful. This test uses a sample of exhaled breath to determine ongoing active H.pylori infection.
The principle of this test relies on the ability of the bacteria to convert a compound called urea to carbon dioxide. Specially labelled urea is given in tablet form orally and the exhaled breath is tested for labelled carbon dioxide. These tests are very accurate and easy to perform with few risks.
The UBT is performed and processed on-site at the Centre for Digestive Diseases. The test takes a total of 15 minutes to complete with minimal discomfort.
Indications
The UBT may be recommended by your doctor for you under the following circumstances:
- You have symptoms such as burning pain in the upper portion of the abdomen, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, burping and loss of appetite and your Doctor suspects a H. pylori infection to be the cause.
- Approximately 4 weeks after having completed treatment for the H.pylori infection, your Doctor may order a UBT to check whether the bacteria has been successfully eradicated.
- If an immediate family and/or very close associate has been found to have H.pylori infection your Doctor may recommend that you be tested.
Special Considerations
- Please alert a member of the CDD team if you have an allergy to 13c urea or citric acid or if you have experienced a reaction following a breath test before.
- Although it is not expected that the UBT would be harmful, please alert a member of the CDD team if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Sedation
The Urea Breath Test does not require sedation or anaesthetic.
The Test
The test procedure requires patients to swallow a capsule with water. After several minutes a sample of breath is collected. This sample is then processed to determine whether you have an active H.pylori infection.
Preparation
To ensure that the UBT is accurate and able to detect the H.pylori, it is important that:
- You have nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to the test.
- You stop all forms of antibiotics at least 4 weeks prior to the test (this includes Bismuth and other antibiotics prescribed by your GP).
- You cease your Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) at least 1 week prior to the UBT. Examples of PPI’s include Nexium, Losec, Zoton, Somac and Pariet.
Post Procedure Care
Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, after your procedures:
- You can resume your normal diet and medications immediately.
- You can return to work immediately.
The results of the UBT will be sent to the patient’s referring doctor or GP within days.
Complications
The UBT procedure is considered safe but you may experience side effects from the medication used to detect the bacteria including taste disturbance. Uncommonly, side effects such as stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and a change in the sense of smell have been reported after taking the 13C-urea tablet.
If experienced, these side effects are very mild and transient, usually requiring no treatment.
Contact Details
If you would like to see one of our Gastroenterologist to discuss your condition or already have a referral from your GP to have the UBT, please click the following link for instructions on how to become a patient at the Centre for Digestive Diseases: https://centrefordigestivediseases.com/how-to-become-a-patient/.
If you are experiencing side effects of concern following the procedure, please see the following link for CDD contact details during office hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (7am – 5pm ) and Wednesday (8.30am – 1.30pm): https://centrefordigestivediseases.com/contact-us/. As the Centre is a Day Stay Unit only, if complications following procedure arise outside of business hours you should seek medical attention from either your GP or nearest hospital emergency department.
