H. pylori breath test
urea breath test · UBT · H. pylori breath test · stomach bacteria breath test
You drink a special solution and breathe into a bag or tube. Your breath shows if H. pylori bacteria are in your stomach.
For stomach pain, heartburn, ulcers, or to check after H. pylori treatment.
⏱ Duration: usually 30 to 40 minutes; results often come the same day
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. Fasting: usually no food for 6 hours. Ask the clinic if water is allowed.
- Smoking and gum. On the test day, do not smoke or chew gum.
- Medicines. Antibiotics and acid medicines can change the result. Do not stop them on your own. Tell your doctor. They will decide.
What to bring
- Your test request form
- Your ID
How it goes
- You breathe into the first bag or tube. This is the baseline sample
- You drink a glass of the solution. It usually tastes a bit sour
- You sit quietly, usually for 15 to 30 minutes
- You breathe into the second bag or tube
- The samples are sent for testing
What you'll feel
- Nothing unpleasant. You just need to wait quietly
Afterwards
- You can eat right away and go back to your day
- Results usually come the same or the next day. The lab will tell you when
Common questions
Is the breath test safe?
Yes. A non-radioactive solution is usually used. It is also fine for checking after treatment.
When should I be retested after treatment?
Usually at least 4 weeks after treatment ends. Your doctor will tell you when.