Helicobacter pylori urease breath test (UBT)

We would like to introduce you to the "Helicobacter pylori" urease breath test (UBT) – an advanced, safe, and completely painless breath analysis designed to determine whether the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is present in your stomach. This test is suitable for adults and adolescents aged 12 and over.

Why is this test so important?

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide, affecting about 44% of the population. If left untreated, this infection persists for a lifetime and can lead to serious health problems, such as:

• Chronic gastritis (stomach inflammation).
• Stomach and duodenal ulcers.
• Iron deficiency anemia.
• Increased risk of stomach cancer and MALT lymphoma.

A doctor may prescribe this test to diagnose the infection or to evaluate the success of completed treatment. International guidelines recognize this breath test as the non-invasive diagnostic "gold standard" due to its accuracy of about 97%. It is significantly more accurate than blood tests, which can show a positive result even after successful recovery.

Important preparation for the test (mandatory requirement!)

To ensure completely accurate test results, it is very important to follow these rules:

• Be fasting: you must not eat anything for at least 6 hours before the test (it is best to come after a night's fast). If you have diabetes, consult your doctor.
• Medication break: the test can only be performed at least 4 weeks after taking antibiotics (for bacterial infection treatment) and at least 2 weeks after the last dose of stomach acid-reducing medication.
• If you vomit during the test: in such a case, the procedure will need to be interrupted and repeated no earlier than the next day.

How does the procedure work? (Duration – about 40 min.)

What do you need to know?

1. Preparation. The patient should be fasting ≥6 hours. It is recommended to perform the test lying down or sitting.
2. Baseline sample (T0). Gently blow air into the first bag using a special straw ("0 minutes reading") and seal it immediately.
3. "Test meal". A preparatory drink is consumed: 200 ml of water with dissolved citric acid powder (this helps the stomach not to be completely empty).
4. Ingestion of test solution. 75 mg of 13C-urea powder (a completely safe, non-radiating substance) is dissolved in ~30 ml of water and consumed immediately.
5. Waiting time. Wait quietly for 30 minutes. During this time, sitting is required, and smoking, eating, or drinking is strictly prohibited.
6. Second sample (T30). After 30 minutes, the breath sample is blown into the second bag in the same way ("30 minutes reading"). Both bags are sealed tightly and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Safety and side effects

• Completely safe: this test has no known side effects. Since the dose of the test material is very small, overdose is impossible.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: the test is safe and can be performed on pregnant and breastfeeding women, but it is always recommended to consult a doctor beforehand.
• Driving: the test has no impact on the ability to drive or operate machinery.

When is the test not possible?

If you are suffering from or suspect a severe stomach infection or stomach lining inflammation (atrophic gastritis), the test may show a falsely positive result. The reliability of the test is also not sufficiently researched in individuals who have had part of their stomach removed during surgery. In all these cases, a prior consultation with a doctor is necessary.

Take responsible care of your health! An accurate and timely test allows for effective treatment and prevents serious stomach diseases in the future.

If you have additional questions about preparation, be sure to consult our clinic's specialists before the procedure.