Helicobacter pylori Urea Breath Test
The Helicobacter pylori Urea Breath Test is a non-invasive test that measures urease activity associated with H. pylori infection, using paired breath samples collected before and after a urea solution. Quest describes H. pylori as a bacterium with an affinity for the stomach lining.
About this test
This test analyzes paired breath samples, one collected as a baseline and one after a urea solution is given, using infrared spectrophotometry to measure urease activity associated with current H. pylori infection.
Who might consider this test?
- People who talk with their clinician about this test are often working through symptoms that raise the question of an active H.
- pylori infection, such as ones associated with gastritis or ulcers.
Test details
| Quest code | 14839 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Infra-red Spectrophotometry |
| Sample type | Human breath: Paired breath samples (pre and post); Follow instructions provided with kit. |
| Patient preparation | Fast at least 1 hour before collection of baseline breath sample. Use of antimicrobials, proton pump inhibitors, or bismuth preparations within 2 weeks before administering the PyloPlus® UBT test may cause a false negative result. However, a positive result is still valid. Insufficient data are available on pregnant and lactating women. |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
Reference range
Not detected
Reference ranges are general guidance. The range printed on your own laboratory report is the one that applies to your result.
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports urease activity, measured from paired breath samples by infrared spectrophotometry, as a marker of current H. pylori infection. Quest lists this test under several names, including H.pylori UBIT, H pylori Breath Test and UBT.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does this test measure?
It measures urease activity associated with current Helicobacter pylori infection, using paired breath samples collected before and after a urea solution, analyzed by infrared spectrophotometry.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses paired human breath samples, collected before and after administration of a urea solution, following the instructions provided with the test kit.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Fast at least 1 hour before collection of baseline breath sample. Use of antimicrobials, proton pump inhibitors, or bismuth preparations within 2 weeks before administering the PyloPlus® UBT test may cause a false negative result. However, a positive result is still valid. Insufficient data are available on pregnant and lactating women. This is the preparation Quest publishes for this test; if your clinician gives you different instructions, follow theirs.
What is H. pylori associated with?
Quest documents H. pylori as related to chronic active gastritis, duodenal ulcers and gastric ulcers, and describes it as an important pathogen of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
How much is a H. Pylori Breath Test test?
$149, paid once at checkout. The price includes the physician's order this test requires and sample collection at a Quest patient service center.