Motility & Function Tests
A simple, non-invasive breath test to detect H. pylori infection - and to confirm it has cleared after treatment.
Overview
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that lives in the stomach and is a common cause of gastritis, peptic ulcers and, over many years, a risk factor for stomach cancer. It is very common in India.
In the urea breath test you drink a solution containing labelled urea. If H. pylori is present, its enzyme (urease) breaks the urea down and the labelled carbon dioxide appears in your breath, which is measured in a breath sample. The test is accurate and is also used to confirm eradication after treatment.
Where: Advised and planned at consultation; the clinic arranges the test.
Motility & Function Tests
H. pylori infection is common and often causes no symptoms, but it can lead to gastritis, peptic ulcers and, over many years, increases the risk of stomach cancer. Testing is advised for people with ulcer disease, persistent indigestion, a family history of stomach cancer, and before long-term painkiller or aspirin use in some cases.
The urea breath test is one of the most accurate non-invasive tests for active H. pylori infection, provided the preparation is followed. Blood antibody tests can stay positive after the infection has gone, so the breath test is preferred to check whether treatment has worked.
Treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics and an acid-reducing medicine for 10-14 days. Taking every dose is important. A repeat urea breath test, at least four weeks after antibiotics and two weeks after stopping acid medicines, confirms whether the infection has cleared.
The test is advised after consultation with Dr. Shrihari Anikhindi at Medigest, West Punjabi Bagh, and the clinic arranges it. If you have alarm symptoms such as bleeding, weight loss or difficulty swallowing, an upper GI endoscopy may be advised instead.
Many people with H. pylori have no symptoms. Others notice upper abdominal burning or pain, bloating, early fullness, nausea or frequent burping. More serious problems include peptic ulcers, which can bleed, and, over many years, an increased risk of stomach cancer and a type of lymphoma. Testing and treating the infection reduces these risks.
H. pylori can also be detected by a stool antigen test or by biopsy during endoscopy. Blood antibody tests are not recommended to check for current infection because they can remain positive for a long time after the bacteria have gone. The urea breath test is simple and accurate for both diagnosis and confirming cure.
Reinfection after successful treatment is uncommon in adults. Clean drinking water, handwashing before meals and good food hygiene help reduce the risk for the whole family.
Book a consultation or request an online consultation to discuss whether Urea Breath Test (H. pylori) is right for you.
Before & after
General guidance - the clinic gives you personalised instructions when you book.
On the day
You breathe into a collection bag or tube.
You drink the urea solution.
After 15-30 minutes another breath sample is collected.
FAQ
Acid-reducing medicines and antibiotics can suppress H. pylori and give a false negative result.
The non-radioactive carbon-13 test is generally considered safe for children and in pregnancy. The doctor will advise which test is suitable for you.
If H. pylori persists, a different combination of antibiotics is used. Sometimes an endoscopy with biopsy culture is advised to choose the most effective treatment.
Yes, you can brush your teeth, but avoid eating, chewing gum or smoking before the test, as advised in your instructions.
Book a consultation first by phone, WhatsApp or the online form. Advised and planned at consultation; the clinic arranges the test. The clinic will share preparation instructions.
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Learn moreAppointments
Visit the clinic in West Punjabi Bagh, or book an online consultation from home.
