HELICOBACTER PYLORI UREA BREATH TEST
Clinic Test: €110
Helicobacter Pylori is a very common infection (present in up to 50% of the population) that is thought to be a factor in the development of stomach and duodenal ulcers (peptic ulcers).
✔ Recommended by the Association of Gastroenterology as one of the primary testing methods for Helicobacter Pylori
✔ Performed in clinic
✔ Simple, easy and quick to perform
✔ Non-invasive
✔ Samples analysed by a fully accredited Irish medical laboratory
HOME Testing
Home testing options for Helicobacter Pylori can be viewed by clicking on the blue button below.
SYMPTOMS OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI
Helicobacter Pylori is a very common infection (present in up to 50% of the population) that is thought to be a factor in the development of stomach and duodenal ulcers (peptic ulcers). It is a bacterium that causes chronic gastritis (inflammation) of the stomach lining. Symptoms of peptic ulcers include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain/discomfort. Some ulcers may bleed which can cause fatigue.
The bacteria can survive because it can penetrate the stomach lining and produce by-products that neutralise the gastric acid around it, thereby creating a protective environment. When a Helicobacter Pylori breath test is performed, the tablet that is consumed contains Urea. The bacteria breaks this Urea down releasing a carbon atom. The breath test can measure this carbon for the presence of Helicobacter Pylori through the collection of breath samples which are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
A blood test can only detect antibodies to Helicobacter Pylori and therefore cannot distinguish between a previous infection and a current one as the antibodies can remain in your body for some time. A blood test cannot be used to determine if your Helicobacter Pylori has been eradicated following treatment [Medline Plus]. Post treatment a Helicobacter Pylori Breath Test or Stool Antigen test is recommended.
If you are positive for Helicobacter Pylori, you will need to see your G.P who may prescribe you a combination of antibiotics (usually two antibiotics) and an acid reducing tablet (Proton Pump Inhibitor). This treatment is called triple therapy. Sometimes the Helicobacter Pylori infection is not cured with the first triple therapy treatment. To see if the bacterial infection has been successfully eradicated, a second breath test may be performed at least 30 days following treatment.
TEST DETAILS
Test Duration: Up to 20 minutes
Testing Age: Over 16 years
Referral: GP or Consultant referral required
Results: Approx 10 working days
Test Fee: €110
PRE-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS
A pre-procedure instruction sheet can be viewed by clicking the link below. This should be viewed and adhered to upon booking your appointment to ensure accurate results.
Patients should not undertake the Helicobacter Pylori Breath Test if there is a
documented or suspected gastric infection or atrophic gastritis, as this may interfere with the Helicobacter Pylori Breath Test.
