Description

A urea breath test (UBT) is a diagnostic procedure that identifies a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in the stomach: 

How it works

• You swallow a liquid, pill, or pudding that contains urea and carbon molecules that have been tagged. If you have H. pylori, the bacteria in your stomach convert the urea into carbon dioxide, which is then released when you breathe out. A device measures the amount of carbon dioxide in your breath, and compares it to a sample taken before you swallowed the urea. 

Accuracy

• The UBT is more than 95% accurate. 

Preparation

• You should avoid taking antibiotics, bismuth medicines, and proton pump inhibitors for up to two weeks before the test. You should also avoid eating or drinking for 6–8 hours before the test, and avoid foods that contain urea, like pineapple, corn, and sugarcane juice. 

Side effects

• Side effects are uncommon, but can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, or a change in smell. These side effects are usually mild and don't require treatment.