Educational Articles

Urea Breath Test

The C14 urea breath test (UBT) is a diagnostic test used to detect a current, active bacterial infection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). H. pylori is a bacteria is often found to infect the stomach lining. This bacteria has been linked to many gastrointestinal systems and conditions such as peptic ulcer disease and stomach cancer. It is treated with antibiotics along with acid reducer.

Since the UBT is performed by a breath test, there is no minimal discomfort experienced by patients.

In order obtain an accurate result, patients are required to fast prior to this test with no food or drink for a minimum of at least 4-8 hours. The test procedure requires patients to swallow a pill with water. After several minutes a sample of breath is collected. This sample is processed with the results available within days.