Urea Breath Test

UREA BREATH TEST

The Urea Breath Test (UBT) is a non-invasive diagnostic test used to detect Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria that can cause gastritis, ulcers, and even stomach cancer.

How the Urea Breath Test Works

1. Fasting: You should avoid eating, drinking, and smoking for at least 6 hours before the test.
2. Baseline Breath Sample: You will exhale into a collection bag to establish a baseline reading.
3. Urea Solution Consumption: You drink a solution containing urea labeled with carbon-13 (¹³C) or carbon-14 (¹⁴C).
4. Waiting Period: The stomach processes the solution for about 15–30 minutes.
5. Second Breath Sample: You breathe into another collection bag.
6. Analysis:
1. If H. pylori is present, the bacteria break down the urea into carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is detected in the breath sample.
2. A higher-than-normal level of labeled CO₂ confirms H. pylori infection.

A urea breath test (UBT) is a non-invasive test that detects the presence of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the stomach. The test involves swallowing a liquid, pill, or pudding that contains tagged carbon molecules. If H. pylori is present, the carbon is released into the blood and exhaled through the lungs. A special device measures the amount of carbon released in the breath. 

UREA BREATH TEST

UREA BREATH TEST

Accuracy & Limitations

✅ Highly accurate (95–98% sensitivity and specificity).
✅ Quick & non-invasive alternative to endoscopy.
⚠️ False negatives can occur if you’ve recently taken antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or bismuth compounds (e.g., Pepto-Bismol).