Helicobacter Pylori Breath Test

An H. pylori test involves ingesting a substance called urea to see how your body 

processes it over time. If H. pylori is present in your stomach, it will convert the urea into carbon dioxide, which can then be measured in your breath. 

The first step of an H. pylori test involves providing a control sample. To collect this, you’ll breathe out into a balloon-like bag, and the amount of carbon dioxide found will be used as a baseline to compare against further samples taken during testing.

During the test: 

• you’ll be asked to drink a small amount of solution or swallow a small pill containing urea

• 2 breath samples will be collected after 10 minutes

• 2 more breath samples will be collected after 30 minutes

The test usually takes around 40 minutes, and for accurate results, you mustn't eat, drink, chew gum, smoke, sleep, or exercise during the test. 

At the end of the test, your consultant will be able to discuss the results and any next steps with you.

An H. pylori breath test is non-invasive and very low-risk. In rare cases, some mild, temporary gastrointestinal side effects like stomach pain or a change in taste are noticed.

There are a few things you’ll need to do in preparation for the test to ensure your results are as accurate as possible. These include:

• stopping taking any antibiotics 1 month before the test

• stopping taking any proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Losec, Nexium, lansoprazole, omeprazole, and esomeprazole 2 weeks before the test

• stopping taking any H2 receptor antagonists and pro-motility agents 2 days before testing

• not taking any antacids the day before testing

• stopping smoking the day before testing

• fasting (not consuming any food or drink, except small amounts of water) for 12 hours before the test

Your consultant will discuss any medications you’re currently taking and when to stop taking them before the test, if necessary.

An H. pylori breath test is non-invasive, and you can go home and start eating and drinking as soon as the test has finished. You’ll be able to resume taking your usual medications straight away.

Please contact our Digestive Health centre for pricing.

At Welbeck, our gastroenterologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book an H. pylori breath test, you must be referred by either your GP or a gastroenterologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck gastroenterologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.