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H. Pylori Breath Test

Helicobacter pylori, H. pylori, h pylori, Breath Test, Ubit, Urea Breath Test, C13 Breath Test, Breath ID

Test Codes

Epic: LAB7227, Beaker: BTEK

Department

Special Chemistry

Instructions

• Do not eat or drink for one hour prior to taking the test.
• A patient CANNOT take the following medications for two weeks prior to testing:
1. All antibiotics.
2. Proton Pump Inhibitors (i.e., Zegerid, Prilosec, Prilosec OTC, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium).
3. Bismuth preparations such as Pepto Bismol.
• This test is contra-indicated in patients with phenylalanine restrictive diet (PKU).
• When testing to confirm cure, this test should be administered at least 4 weeks after completion of treatment/therapy.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collection requires the use of the BreathID collection kit. Follow collection instructions provided.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimen at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Breath specimen, at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F).

Rejection Criteria

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Maintain specimen at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) prior to transport.

Transport: Breath specimen, at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F). 

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): Unacceptable
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Royal Oak Special Chemistry Laboratory

Performed

Sunday – Saturday.
Results available in 4-6 days.

Reference Range

Negative.

Test Methodology

IR (infrared) spectroscopy to assess the presence of 13CO₂.

Clinical Utility

The BreathID kit is used to detect urease associated with the H. pylori bacteria in the stomach and to help in the initial diagnosis and post-treatment monitoring of the H. pylori bacterial infection. This test may be used for monitoring the treatment of the bacterial infection if used at least 4 weeks following completion of treatment.

CPT Codes

83013

Contacts

Last Updated

1/18/2024