13C-Urea Breath
13C UBR
Description
"13C-Urea Breath" test identifies Helicobacter pylori by analyzing exhaled carbon dioxide after drinking a labeled urea solution. It’s commonly used when symptoms like persistent stomach pain, bloating, or gastritis appear. If H. pylori is present, it breaks down the urea, releasing carbon-13 that’s detected in your breath. Doctors value this test for its accuracy and comfort. Results help confirm infection and guide treatment decisions such as antibiotics or follow-up testing to support stomach health.
Category
Enzymes
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
Breath
Units
Disintegrations Per Minute | Percentage
Procedure Category
Measure
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:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Available
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: < 50.0 dpm
SI Unit: < 3.00%
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
H. Pylori Detection: Identifies the presence of H. pylori bacteria to diagnose infection.
Non-invasive Method: Provides a comfortable alternative to invasive procedures like endoscopy.
Treatment Monitoring: Tracks the effectiveness of therapy by measuring urease activity.
Post-treatment Testing: Confirms eradication of H. pylori after antibiotic therapy.
Evaluation of Gastric Disorders: Aids in managing H. pylori-related conditions like 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.
[1] Jambi LK. Systematic review and meta-analysis on the sensitivity and specificity of 13C/14C-urea breath tests in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Diagnostics (Basel). 2022;12(10):2428.
[2] Savarino V, Vigneri S, Celle G. The 13C urea breath test in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Gut.1999;45(Suppl 1):S18-S22.
[3] 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.
[4] Vaira D, Zullo A, Vakil N, et al. Sequential therapy versus triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2007;146(8):556-563.
[5] Cremonini F, Bartolozzi F, Armuzzi A, et al. Can 13C-urea breath test predict resistance to therapy in Helicobacter pylori infection? Hepatogastroenterology. 2005;52(63):1119-1121.
[6] Shmuely H, Yahav J, Samra Z, et al. Elevated 13C-urea breath test values in females infected with Helicobacter pylori. Dig Dis Sci. 2007;52(12):315-321.
[7] Gisbert JP, Olivares D, Jimenez I, et al. Is there any correlation between 13C-urea breath test values and response to first-line and rescue Helicobacter pylori eradication therapies? Dig Liver Dis. 2006;38(4):254-259.
[8] Maconi G, Parente F, Russo A, et al. Do patients with Helicobacter pylori infection benefit from extended proton pump inhibitor-based triple eradication therapy? Am J Gastroenterol. 2001;96(2):359-366.
[9] Megraud F. H. pylori antibiotic resistance: prevalence, importance, and advances in testing. Gut. 2004;53(9):1374-1384.
[10] Perri F, Villani MR, Festa V, et al. Predictors of failure in Helicobacter pylori eradication with triple therapy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2001;15(7):1023-1029.