Test Details
Synonyms
Test Includes
Analysis of pre- and postbreath samples to detect 13CO2
Use
The urea breath test can be used to aid in the diagnosis of
H pylori infection. The test can also be used to assess therapy when it is administered more than a month after completion of therapy.
Additional Information
The present standard of care includes testing for and treatment of
Helicobacter pylori in patients with documented ulcer disease or recurrent dyspepsia. Although serologic assays have been widely used for the diagnosis of
H pylori, the increasing availability of direct tests in the form of stool antigen and urea breath test provide diagnostic alternatives with higher positive predictive values. Use of “direct” tests leads to a reduction in unnecessary treatment, which is important because of the continuing concern regarding antimicrobial treatment and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. These tests each have the added feature of being able to be used as a test of cure when administered a month or more after completion of eradication therapy.
