Urea breath test

A urea breath test is performed to determine whether the Helicobacter pylori bacterium is present in the stomach.

You can pick up the test at the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department office and take it at home.
Please check in at the reception desk with your ID card and select “lab.”

To perform the test, you must have stopped taking acid-reducing medications (Pantoprazole, Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, etc.) for at least 2 weeks. You must have stopped taking antibiotics for 4 weeks.

Take the test in the morning on an empty stomach (do not eat anything for 12 hours before the test begins).

During the test, you must remain seated upright and must not drink, eat, or smoke.

• Blow into tube 0

• Unscrew the cap and hold the straw just above the bottom of the tube

• Take a deep breath and exhale completely through the straw for 10 seconds

• Close the tube within 5 seconds by screwing the cap on

• Repeat this for tube 00

• Swallow the pill (swallow it whole; do not chew it) with some water

• Urinate into tubes 1, 2, and 3 10 minutes after taking the urea solution

After the test, place the 5 tubes in the envelope along with the request form (which includes your name and the name of the requesting physician).

Affix two stamps to the envelope and mail it (the address is already printed on the envelope).