DIAGNOSTIC FACILITIES

The C13-Urea Breath Test

The C13-urea breath test is designed to look for the presence of Helicobacter Pylori, a bacterium associated with a number of conditions affecting the stomach.

Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium that lives in the lining of the stomach and gut. It may be a life-long infection that generally causes no problems. However, it is often associated with dyspepsia (indigestion) and peptic (stomach) ulcer. Treatment of the bacteria with medication can allow the ulcer to heal.

Helicobacter pylori breaks down urea, a common substance in many foods, into ammonia and carbon dioxide. Your test is based on this unique feature of the bacteria.

Urea that is high in a substance known as Carbon-13 (13C) is used (13C-urea). 13C can be measured by laboratory equipment. If the bacteria is present this 13C will appear in the carbon dioxide in your breath. Examination of samples of your breath taken before and after consuming the 13C-urea will show if the bacteria are present in your stomach.

Questions You May Have About the 13C-urea Test

13C is a harmless naturally occurring substance that is present all around us. It is not radioactive.

Urea is a harmless substance found in food and in your body.

The amounts of these substances that you take during the test are very small compared to the amounts already present in your body or that you consume in your normal diet.

If you have any food allergies or intolerances you should tell your doctor before taking the test.

What Will Happen in the Test?

A specialist nurse will be present to guide you through the test.

  • The test requires you to drink a "test meal" which will be a glass of orange-flavoured citric acid drink, or orange juice. If you are allergic to either of these or have difficulty drinking acidic drinks, please contact the test centre to arrange an alternative.
  • You will give samples of your breath by blowing into a set of tubes.
  • You will drink a small quantity of 13C-Urea dissolved in water (60ml) This is a colourless and tasteless liquid.
  • You will then be asked to sit quietly, without eating, drinking, or smoking for 30 minutes.
  • Finally, samples of your breath will be taken to complete the test.

When Will I Know the Result?

The samples of breath have to be sent away to be analysed at a laboratory. You will be given a date to contact your doctor to learn the results of the test.

Is There Anything I Have to Do?

You will have to fast (not eat) before you take the test.

Some medications that you might take can affect the accuracy of the test. You will need to tell the GI Unit staff about these medications before you have the test.