C Urea Breath Testing at UPMC Kildare Hospital

UPMC Kildare offers C Urea Breath Testing, a rapid diagnostic procedure for screening and post-eradication testing of the stomach bacteria, helicobacter pylori. Left undiagnosed, this bacteria can cause a range of gastrointestinal problems.

The C Urea Breath Test is a simple, non-invasive procedure that checks for the presence of a helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach. It involves the patient consuming a tablet that contains urea; the patient is then asked to breathe into a tube to measure the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled. This will indicate the presence of helicobacter pylori in the stomach. If necessary, this infection can be treated with a course of antibiotics prescribed by your GP or consultant.

Results are reported back to the referring GP/consultant approximately ten days following the test.

How to prepare for a C Urea Breath Test:

1. You must be fasting from food and drink for four hours prior to the test.
2. You must not take certain medication prior to the test:
   • Antibiotics cannot be taken for 28 days prior to the test
   • Proton Pump Inhibitors (e.g. Lansoprazole, Omeprazole) cannot be taken for 14 days prior to the test
   • Antacids (e.g. Ranitidine, Gaviscon) cannot be taken for 12 hours prior to the test.

A Consultant/GP referral is required for a C Urea Breath Testing at UPMC Kildare Hospital.