13C-Urea Blood
13C UBL
Description
"13C-Urea Blood" test detects Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to ulcers and chronic stomach inflammation. Doctors may recommend it for ongoing abdominal pain or indigestion. The patient drinks a labeled urea solution, and a blood sample is taken shortly after. If H. pylori is present, labeled carbon appears in the blood. This non-invasive test helps confirm infection. Results guide treatment with antibiotics or further testing to prevent complications like ulcers or long-term digestive issues.
Test Category
Enzymes
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Not Applicable
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Infection Group
Test Group Description
Infection Group: Tests within this group detect markers indicative of various infections, aiding in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Helicobacter pylori infection (bacterial infection of the stomach lining)
Key Reasons For Testing
Helicobacter pylori Detection: Confirms the presence of H. pylori bacteria to diagnose infection.
Treatment Monitoring: Tracks the effectiveness of therapy by measuring urease activity.
Follow-up After Treatment: Ensures the infection is eradicated post-antibiotic treatment.
Evaluation of Gastric Disorders: Assists in managing stomach conditions linked to H. pylori, such as ulcers or gastritis.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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[2] Vaira D, Gatta L, Ricci C, et al. Use of 13C-urea breath test for diagnosing H. pylori and assessing post-treatment eradication in clinical practice. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2003;16(4):657-664.
[3] Cutler AF, Toskes P, Murthy UK, et al. Evaluation of the Ez-HBT Helicobacter blood test to establish Helicobacter pylori eradication. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2005;22(9):875-884.
[4] Kato M, Nishino Y, Konno M, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of 13C-urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori infection in pediatric and adult patients, supporting its widespread clinical use. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2004;39(1):30-35.
[5] Lai YC, Yang JC, Huang SH. Pre-treatment urea breath test results predict the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in patients with active duodenal ulcers. World J Gastroenterol. 2004;10(7):991-994.
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