Helicobacter pylori Breath Test
The Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) breath test is a common, safe method of testing for this bacterial infection. The bacterium, believed to infect as much as half of the world's population, grows in the stomach or the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Much of the time, H. pylori causes no symptoms. Yet, for reasons not yet established, in some individuals H. pylori may lead to gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, or to the development of ulcers. H. pylori, once it results in gastrointestinal inflammation, also significantly increases the risk of developing stomach cancer.
How the Breath Test Works
This test, also called the H. pylori urea test, uses urea, a chemical compound, to detect the presence of the targeted bacteria. H. pylori produces an enzyme called urease which breaks down urea into its components, ammonia and carbon dioxide. Therefore, once the patient has ingested urea, if the resulting quantity of exhaled carbon dioxide has increased, the presence of the bacteria is confirmed.
Preparation for Breath Test Procedure
Patients may not eat or drink anything for 1 hour prior to the test. The testing process typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. It is important that the patient refrain from taking antibiotics, antacids or proton pump inhibitors for 2 weeks prior to this test since these medications may interfere with test results.
This test is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast feeding or for individuals with lung or heart conditions. For these patients, there are other testing methods available.
The Breath Test Procedure
The H. pylori breath test requires the patient to exhale into a bag similar to a balloon. The bag is then sealed, available to provide a baseline sample of the patient's carbon dioxide level. Next, the patient consumes a small quantity of liquid or a capsule containing mildly radioactive urea. Fifteen minutes later, the patient exhales into another bag for a second sample. This second sample is compared to the first to determine whether more carbon dioxide has been produced. Since carbon dioxide results from contact with H. pylori, a positive reaction signals the presence of infection.
The samples obtained during an H. pylori breath test are sent on to a laboratory for analysis. Results are usually available in a few days. If the bacteria are present, the patient is treated with antibiotics. The breath test will be repeated a month later to ensure that treatment has been effective.