Helicobacter Test (13c-Urea)

The Helicobacter Test is employed primarily for the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection, a common cause of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer risk.

• Screening patients with dyspeptic symptoms for H. pylori infection.
• Confirming eradication after antibiotic therapy.
• Assessing infection status before initiating long‑term proton pump inhibitor therapy.
• Supporting epidemiological studies of H. pylori prevalence.
• Guiding clinical decision‑making in gastroenterology practice.

Adverse reactions to the Helicobacter Test are generally uncommon and usually mild, reflecting the non‑invasive nature of the breath test.

Common

• Mild nausea or stomach upset.
• Temporary metallic taste.
• Slight headache.
• Minor abdominal bloating.

Serious

• Allergic reaction such as rash, itching, or swelling.
• Anaphylaxis (extremely rare).
• Severe respiratory difficulty.
• Persistent vomiting.

Precautions should be observed to ensure accurate results and patient safety.

• Patients should fast for at least 2 hours before the test.
• Recent antibiotic or proton pump inhibitor use may affect results; discuss with clinician.
• Pregnancy and lactation status should be disclosed.
• Patients with known urea allergy should avoid the test.
• Ensure proper collection of breath samples to avoid contamination.
• Avoid smoking or chewing gum immediately before sample collection.

Certain medications and substances can interfere with the accuracy of the Helicobacter Test.

Avoid

• Recent use of antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, amoxicillin) within 4 weeks.
• Use of proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers within 2 weeks.
• Bismuth compounds within 2 weeks.

Use with caution

• Consumption of carbonated beverages or smoking within 30 minutes of the test.
• High‑carbohydrate meals before the fasting period.
• Severe lung disease may affect breath sample quality.