Helicobacter pylori, Urea Breath Test

Noninvasive test used to detect current Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach. H. pylori produces the enzyme urease. During testing, the patient consumes nonradioactive ¹³C-labeled urea; if H. pylori is present, bacterial urease breaks the urea down and produces labeled carbon dioxide that can be detected in the breath. *Quest Diagnostics. *WHEN TO TEST* This test may be appropriate when investigating symptoms or clinical findings associated with H. pylori, including persistent upper-abdominal discomfort, indigestion, gastritis, or a history of peptic ulcer disease. *AFTER TREATMENT TESTING* use after H. pylori treatment to determine whether the infection has been successfully eradicated. Quest notes that post-treatment testing should generally be performed at least 4 weeks after treatment.