Helicobacter Test For Children Of The Age 3-11 (13c-Urea)

The 13C‑Urea Breath Test Kit for children is indicated for the non‑invasive detection of Helicobacter pylori infection in pediatric patients.

• Screening children with dyspeptic symptoms for H. pylori infection.
• Confirming eradication after a prescribed treatment course.
• Assessing infection status before initiating ulcer‑preventive therapy.
• Supporting epidemiological studies of H. pylori prevalence in the 3‑11 age group.
• Guiding clinicians in decision‑making for further gastrointestinal investigations.

The 13C‑Urea Breath Test is generally well tolerated, but some children may experience mild, transient reactions.

Common

• Temporary metallic taste in the mouth after ingesting the labeled substrate.
• Mild abdominal discomfort or bloating lasting less than an hour.
• Slight increase in breath carbon dioxide levels detectable by the analyzer.
• Brief nausea that resolves without intervention.
• Transient headache reported by a small number of participants.

Serious

• Allergic reaction such as rash, itching, or swelling of the face and throat.
• Severe respiratory distress or wheezing indicating an anaphylactic response.
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea requiring medical evaluation.

When using the 13C‑Urea Breath Test in children, certain precautions help ensure accurate results and safety.

• Ensure the child has fasted for at least 2 hours before the test to avoid food interference.
• Verify that the child has not taken antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, or bismuth compounds for at least 2 weeks prior.
• Confirm the absence of known hypersensitivity to urea or any component of the test kit.
• Use the kit only with the calibrated breath analyzer supplied by the manufacturer.
• Record baseline breath samples before administering the 13C‑Urea substrate.
• Avoid testing in children with severe respiratory conditions that may affect CO2 measurements.

The 13C‑Urea Breath Test may be affected by certain medications or substances that alter gastric environment or urease activity.

Avoid

• Recent use of antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, clarithromycin) that can suppress H. pylori.
• Proton pump inhibitors, H2‑receptor antagonists, or bismuth‑containing compounds within 2 weeks before testing.
• Antacids taken within 24 hours of the procedure.

Use with caution

• Children receiving ongoing H. pylori eradication therapy should have the test postponed until therapy completion.
• Use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants may require interpretation of results in clinical context.
• If the child has a metabolic disorder affecting carbon dioxide production, discuss result reliability with the clinician.