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H. pylori Breath Test
H. pylori Breath Test
Test for Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that may cause digestive disorders and stomach-related medical conditions. Read moreTest details
Sample type:
Breath
Preparation:
You cannot eat or drink anything, including water, for 1 hour before this test.
Eating or drinking anything (including water) in the hour before the test may lead to an invalid result. Note: Discontinuation of prescribed medication should only be done after discussing with your doctor. Some medications could affect test accuracy: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix, Pepto Bismol or Antibiotics including treatment for H. pylori. If you are taking over-the-counter medications as self-treatment, check with your doctor about whether these should also be stopped prior to testing: H2 antagonists (Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid, Axid) or Antacids (Tums, Rolaids, Maalox).
What
Detects the presence of the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria which may cause digestive disorders and stomach-related medical conditions.
Who
Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.
How
Breath
Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.
About the Test
Are you concerned you may have been infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium commonly found in the stomach? This urea breath test is used to detect the presence of H. pylori, which causes infection, and to monitor treatment. The BreathTek™ UBiT® is a noninvasive test that uses your breath to detect H. pylori and monitor treatment.
After collecting a baseline breath sample, you will drink a liquid containing synthetic urea (Pranactin®-Citric), which helps detect signs of H. pylori in your breath. You will be asked to wait 15 minutes after drinking the liquid before obtaining another breath sample; both samples are then compared during analysis to detect the presence of H. pylori.
Please see the "Preparing for your Sample Collection" section for important information to consider prior to testing.
How it works
questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.
FAQs
Yes, this test may also be referred to as the Breath Test, UBiT, Urea Breath Test, H. pylori, or H. pylori breath test.
No, BreathTek™ UBiT® for H. pylori is a noninvasive, nonradioactive method for detecting urease activity associated with H. pylori infection.
H. pylori infection is one of the most common infections in humans, affecting more than half of the population, but its cause is unknown. It is believed to spread from person to person through direct contact with saliva, vomit, feces, or contaminated food or water.
You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.