C¹³ Urea Breath Test

Helicobacter pylori carriers have a high tendency of developing chronic gastritis, which may progress to duodenal or gastric ulcers and eventually carcinoma. Hence an early detection is advised to allow prompt treatment.

The mechanism is to diagnose H. pylori infection by measuring the urease activity of the bacterium. Urease breaks down the C¹³-labeled non-radioactive urea to produce labeled carbon dioxide and ammonia. Exhaled carbon dioxide is then collected in a test bag which is analyzed by non-dispersive infrared spectrometry (NDIRS). Since the test is non-invasive and painless, it is suitable for all patients including children, the elderly and pregnant women.