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Helicobacter pylori breath test

Infection and immunity tests · also printed as Urea breath test, UBT, 13C urea breath test, C13 breath test, H. pylori breath test

Typical UK adult rangeExpected result: Negative

Negative is the expected result.

What this test measures

The urea breath test detects current H. pylori infection by measuring labelled carbon dioxide in the breath after a drink of labelled urea, which only the bacterium can break down.

Why doctors request it

Used to confirm the bacterium has gone after treatment, and as a first test in some areas.

What commonly pushes it up

Current H. pylori infection

What commonly pushes it down

A negative result is the usual finding

Everyday reasons for a value outside the range

Results can be equivocal and are then repeated
Recent vaccination or infection elsewhere can occasionally give a weak positive

About the sample

No fasting needed.

Written by a UK consultant physician. Typical UK adult reference ranges; your laboratory's own printed range takes precedence.

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This is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.