Austin Pathology

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Helicobacter Pylori Breath Test (Breath)

Alternate Names
Urea Breath Test, C14
Test Code
HPBT
Testing Laboratory
Referred Laboratory
Specimen Type

Breath

Container Type

Breath Test Kit

Medicare Rebate

Yes

Out of Pocket Costs
None
Ordering Information
  • One single balloon Pytest Urea breath test should be collected 10 minutes after ingesting capsule.
  • Children and pregnant or breast-feeding women should consult their doctor before conducting this test.
  • Patients should consult with their doctor prior to ceasing any medications.

Prior to the test please ensure the patient follows these instructions:

Exclusion Period

Medication Class

Common Types & Names

4 weeks Prior

Antibiotics & Bismuth

  • All antibiotics
  • Bismuth   

14 Days Prior

Sucralfate

  • Carafate
  • Probiotics

7 Days Prior

Proton Pump Inhibitors

  • Losec (Omeprazole)
  • Somac (Pantaprazole)
  • Zoton (Lansoprazole)
  • Nexium (Esomeprazole)
  • Pariet

During Fasting Period

Antacids & H2 Antagonists

  • Aluminum hydroxide gel
  • Calcium carbonate (Alka-Seltzer, Tums)
  • Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
  • Gaviscon, Gelusil, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids
  • Pepto-Bismol, Zantac, Tarzac, Rani 2, Ranitidine, Eno, Dexal, Gastrogel

Note: Patients must wait approximately 6-8 weeks after finishing a course of antibiotics to check for Helicobacter Pylori Eradication

Collection Instructions

Collection Procedure

  1. Ensure patient is fasting, including no water or smoking, 6 hours before test and meets test criteria regarding medications
  2. Place Helicobacter Pylori Breath Test Questionnaire sticker onto referral and complete questions
  3. Remove contents from box
  4. Fill both cups with 30 mLs of water each
  5. Set timer for 10 minutes
  6. Ask Patient to swallow capsule with 1st cup of water and start the timer
  7. After 3 minutes ask patient to swallow 2nd cup of water
  8. Insert straw into the neck of the balloon and ensure all patient details are on the balloon
  9. Assemble white transport box
  10. When timer reaches 10 minutes, ask patient to take a deep breath and hold for 10 seconds
  11. Patient is to blow steadily into straw until balloon is firm
  12. Grasp neck of balloon and twist removing straw and tie a knot into the end of the balloon
  13. Place balloon into transport box labelled with the patient details
  14. Put request into a specimen bag and attach to outside of white transport box with tape
  15. Send to the laboratory with courier
Transport Instructions
Transport ambient at room temperature
Storage Instructions
Store ambient at room temperature
Testing Frequency
Weekly
Min Test Volume
None
Add On Test Suitability

Add ons for this test cannot be performed. 

Container ID
CR, CB, CBS
CSR Instructions

Instructions for: Heidelberg Specimen Reception 

  • Place sample in Room Temperature Sendout tub.
Laboratory Instructions
None
External Laboratory
Biochemistry, St Vincent's Hospital Pathology
Accredited Test
Yes