HF 6901

Urea Breath Test (H. pylori Testing)

This handout explains the urea breath test. The test helps your doctor find out if you have gastritis (irritation in the stomach lining) or an ulcer (a sore). These problems are often caused by bacteria called H. pylori. Your doctor may also order a breath test to monitor your progress.

Getting Ready for the Test

Patients with PKU: Tell your doctor if you have PKU as patients with PKU can’t have the test.

Diet: Do not eat for one hour before your test.

Smoking: Do not smoke for at least one hour before your test and do not smoke during your test.

Medicines to avoid: Avoid medicines that interfere with this test for two weeks before the test. Call your doctor if you have taken any of the medicines listed below within two weeks before your test.

  • Antibiotics

  • Bismuth, such as:

    • Pepto-Bismol

    • Kaopectate

    • Helidac

Proton pump inhibitors: These sometimes cause false negative results. If you have a negative result, your doctor may ask you to stop the below medicines for two weeks and repeat the test. Some examples include:

  • Prilosec

  • Prevacid

  • Nexium

  • Protonix

  • Aciphex

  • Zegerid

H2 blockers: These may cause false negative results. If you are taking these medicines, a positive test is positive. If you have a negative result, your doctor may ask you to stop these medicines for two weeks and repeat the test. Some examples include:

  • Zantac

  • Ranitidine

  • Pepcid

  • Famotidine

  • Cimetadine

  • Tagamet

  • Axid

Approved medicines: You may use any of the medicines below:

  • Topical antibiotics

  • Common antacids, such as:

    • Gaviscon

    • Maalox

    • Mylanta

    • Rolaids

    • Tums

    • Milk of Magnesia

    • Gelusil

    • Alka Seltzer

    • Alka-2

    • Titralac

    • Amphojel

    • Alternagel

During the Test

The lab staff will collect a breath sample by having you blow into a small bag.

You will drink water mixed with a substance called urea within 2 minutes.

After 15 minutes, you will blow into a second bag. Both bags will be sent to the lab for testing.

After Treatment

To find out if the treatment has worked, you must wait at least 4 weeks after ending treatment to test again to avoid false negative results.

Who to Call

If you have questions, please contact your provider through MyChart or call your provider listed in your After Visit Summary or After Hospital Care Plan. For a list of UW Health Clinics, visit www.uwhealth.org/