Helicobacter Pylori - Urea Breath Test C14
Purpose of this test
This test is used for detecting the presence of bacteria called Helicobacter which can cause stomach inflammation. It may also be used to check that the bacteria has been eradicated after treatment.
Note for referrers: Please consult with the Clinical Labs chemical pathologist in your state before proceeding if the patient is pregnant, breast feeding or think they may be pregnant, or if the patient is a child under 16 years old.
Day before test
You are to fast for a minimum 4-6 hours prior to the test. However, any prescription medication other than those listed below can be taken with a sip of water.
The following medications should NOT be taken prior to the test.
| Exclusion Period | Type of Medication | Generic Name | Trade Names |
|
Four Weeks |
Antibiotics |
All Antibiotics except Vancomycin and Sulphonamides |
Bactrim, Septrin, etc. |
| Four Weeks | Ingredient in antacids, antidiarrheal & GI medication | Bismuth | Denol, Helldac |
| 14 Days | Cytoprotectives | Sucralfate | Carafate, Ulcyte, SCF |
| 7 Days | Proton Pump Inhibitors | Lanozaprole, Rabeprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole |
Zoton, Pariet, Losec, Losec IV, Maxor, Nexium, Somac |
| During fasting and during Test |
Antacids | ALU-tab, Andrews TUMS, Antassa, De Wits antacid powder, Daxal, ENO, Gastrogel, Gaviscon, Gelusil, Medefoam2, Meracote, Mucaine, Mylanta, Rennie, Salvital, Sigma Liquid antacid, Titralec |
|
| During fasting and during Test |
H2 Antagonists | Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine |
Cinetimax, Cimehaxal, SBPA- Ranitidine, Magicul, Sigmetadine, Tagamet, WL- Cimetidine, Ranitdine BC Genrx Ranitdine, Rani 2, Hexal Ranitic, SBPA- Ranitidine, Ranihexal, Zantac, Ausran, Ranoxyl Amfamox, Pepcid, Pepcidine Tazac |
Collection Procedure
1. You will be required to swallow a capsule with approximately 30mls of water. PYtest® Capsule AST R 67146 containing 37 kBq 14C-Urea.
2. Three minutes later you will be required to swallow a further 30mls of water.
3. You will then wait for 7 minutes, and then be instructed to take a deep breath, hold for approximately 10 seconds, and blow into a balloon until it is firm.
Note: Confirmatory tests post antibiotic treatment for Helicobacter Pylori cannot be done until a minimum of 6-8 weeks following completion of the course.