H. pylori Urea Breath Test

The H. pylori Urea Breath Test is a simple, non-invasive method to detect the presence of H. pylori in your stomach. During the test, you'll provide two breath samples: one before and one after drinking a special solution containing urea. The test measures the carbon dioxide in your breath to determine if H. pylori is present. This method is highly accurate and doesn't require any blood draws or invasive procedures, making it a comfortable option.

If your H. pylori test is positive, it means the bacteria may be present in your stomach. Fortunately, effective treatment options for H. pylori infections are available, and the information from this test can help guide you and your provider toward the right care plan for your situation.

While many people with H. pylori don't experience serious problems, untreated infections can lead to significant health issues over time. H. pylori can cause chronic inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis), potentially leading to stomach ulcers.² In some cases, long-term H. pylori infection may increase the risk of stomach cancer. That's why early detection and treatment are important for maintaining digestive health and preventing potential complications. If you have concerns about your H. pylori results or gut health, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

If you have H. pylori, it's generally recommended to avoid foods that can irritate your stomach or increase acid production. This typically includes spicy, acidic, and fatty foods. Some specific items to limit or avoid include³:

• Citrus fruits
• Tomato-based products
• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Alcohol

Instead, focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Food choices do not treat or cure H. pylori, but some people find certain foods make stomach symptoms feel better or worse. It's important to note that dietary recommendations can vary based on individual symptoms and overall health, so it's best to consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.

Testing your gut health can involve various methods with the H. pylori Urea Breath Test being one specific option. Other ways to assess gut health include stool tests, which can detect parasites, abnormal bacteria, or signs of inflammation; blood tests to check for food sensitivities or celiac disease; and more comprehensive analyses of your gut microbiome. In some cases, your health care provider might recommend an endoscopy for a direct visual examination of your digestive tract. The best approach depends on your specific symptoms and health concerns, so it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate testing strategy for your individual needs.

Signs of poor gut health can manifest in various ways and may extend beyond just digestive symptoms. Common indicators include persistent digestive issues like bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. You might also experience unexplained weight changes, fatigue, sleep disturbances, or skin problems like acne or eczema.
 

Some people with gut health issues report mood changes, including anxiety or depression, due to the gut-brain connection.³ Additionally, frequent food intolerances or a weakened immune system can be signs of an unhealthy gut.
 

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms persistently, it's worth discussing them with a healthcare provider to explore potential gut health issues and appropriate testing options.

Yes, H. pylori is a major cause of stomach ulcers.² H. pylori can weaken the protective lining of the stomach, making it more susceptible to damage from stomach acid. While not everyone infected with H. pylori develops ulcers, its presence significantly increases the risk.
 

Stomach ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or small intestine. Common symptoms of stomach ulcers may include⁴:
 

• Burning pain in the abdomen
• Feeling full quickly
• Bloating
• Belching
• Nausea or vomiting

If left untreated, ulcers can lead to more serious complications such as internal bleeding or tearing of the stomach wall. That's why early detection and treatment of H. pylori is crucial for preventing and managing stomach ulcers.

It is required to fast and not drink liquids for at least one hour prior to collecting your sample.
 

Individuals should not take antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole or lansoprazole), or bismuth preparations (such as Pepto-Bismol) within two weeks prior to testing, as this may lead to inaccurate results.

Following these steps helps make sure your results are as accurate as possible.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should NOT get a urea breath test. Instead, your provider may recommend an upper endoscopy (a camera test to look inside your stomach). These symptoms could indicate a more serious problem for which a urea breath test would not be appropriate:
 

• Unintentional weight loss 
• Trouble swallowing 
• Persistent vomiting
• Signs of bleeding - Vomiting blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or black, tarry stools
• Family history of stomach cancer
• New indigestion or stomach pain that started after age 60
• If you are pregnant

If you have these symptoms or have questions about H. Pylori testing, consult a healthcare professional for next steps.

After you complete your treatment, your healthcare provider will usually recommend doing another H. pylori test. This follow‑up test, often called a “test of cure,” helps make sure the infection has fully cleared.
 

Getting re‑tested is important because:
 

• Treatment may not always work the first time
• If the infection is still there, you may need different treatment
• Untreated H. pylori may lead to serious problems over time    

When to schedule your re‑test:
 

• Plan to take your follow‑up test at least 4 weeks after finishing your treatment.
• This timing improves the accuracy of your results so that they are not affected by your recent treatment.

If you’re unsure about the timing or have ongoing symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider, as they can guide you on the best next steps.

Your testing will be performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory. Labcorp provides leading-edge medical laboratory tests and services through a national network of primary clinical laboratories and specialty testing laboratories. Our labs perform regular quality assurance testing to ensure our results are accurate.

Your results will be provided to you through our secure online portal to view or print. Results are also made available through a secure portal to the independent healthcare provider who placed your test order.  If you are accessing your results through your Labcorp Patient™ account, all users linked to the account will have access to all OnDemand test results. Results may also be provided to a local, state, and/or federal health authority; for example, many states require the testing laboratory and physician to report test results for certain communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, to local or state health departments.  

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Visit the Labcorp OnDemand® website to browse and purchase laboratory tests and create your Labcorp Patient™ account to view your results. All Labcorp OnDemand testing requires an order from an authorized healthcare professional. For your convenience, Labcorp OnDemand has contracted with independent professional entities (collectively, Providers) to deliver healthcare provider services. Visit a Labcorp location for sample collection; or, if using an at-home collection kit, collect your sample yourself. We’ll let you know when your results are ready and can be accessed through your Labcorp Patient™ account.

To align with clinical best practices, we’ve set an age maximum of 100 for consumer-initiated testing. This limit was set to encourage individuals in more advanced age groups - who may have complex medical needs - to receive personalized guidance about testing from their healthcare providers.