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Urea Breath Test (H.pylori Testing) Instructions HF#6901

 

Please read this handout.  If you have any questions, ask your nurse or doctor before coming to the lab.  It is very important to follow these instructions to obtain the best test results.

 

Why am I having this test?

 

The Urea Breath Test will help your doctor decide if you have gastritis or an ulcer caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori.  The test may also be used to follow up on your response to treatment. 

 

How do I get ready for this test?

 

  • Do not eat for one hour before your test.
  • Stop smoking at least one hour before and during your test.
  • Certain drugs and over-the-counter preparations interfere with this test.  You must be off these medicines for two weeks before this test can be done.  Contact your doctor for instructions if you have taken any of the drugs listed below during the two weeks before your test.
    • Antibiotics given by oral, intravenous (IV), or intramuscular (IM) means.
    • Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) such as Prilosec®, Prevacid®, Nexium®, Protonix®, Aciphex®, Zegerid®.
    • Bismuth preparations such as Pepto-Bismol®, Kaopectate®, or Helidac®.
  • If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) please contact your doctor.  This test cannot be done on persons with PKU.
  • To find out if the treatment has worked, you must wait at least 4 weeks after the end of treatment to avoid false negative results.

 

Are there drugs I am allowed to use before H. pylori testing?

 

  • Topical antibiotics
  • H2 Blockers (most commonly used; list is not all inclusive) such as Zantac ®, Ranitidine®, Pepcid®, Famotidine®, Cimetadine®, Tagamet®, Axid®.
  • Antacids (most commonly used; list is not all inclusive) such as Gaviscon®, Maalox®, Mylanta®, Rolaids®, Tums®, Milk of Magnesia®, Gelusil®, Alka Seltzer®, Alka-2®, Titralac®, Amphojel®, Alternagel®

How does the test work?

 

  1. You will be asked to blow into a small collection bag.  This is your baseline breath sample.
  2. A substance called urea will be dissolved in water.  You will drink this water. 
  3. Fifteen minutes later you will be asked to blow into a second collection bag. 
  4. The breath samples obtained are tested in the lab. 
  5. The lab test will find out if H. pylori is present.

 

The staff from Laboratory Phlebotomy will give you the drink.  They will help you collect the breath samples.  If you have questions about this test, feel free to contact Phlebotomy at (608) 263-6033 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday.



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 01/07/2011

Copyright © 01/07/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6901

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