Helicobacter exhalation

Exhalation test for Helicobacter Pylori

The bacterium Helycobacter pylori is responsible for a large proportion of inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract and increases the risk of developing tumours in the digestive tract. It colonises the superficial mucus layers of the gastric mucosa, is highly resistant and thrives in the gastric acidic environment. The presence of the bacterium can be detected by a rapid and painless exhalation test.

How the test works:

The patient is given oral C-carbamide in tablet form, and after waiting 10-30 minutes, the exhaled air is blown into a so-called breathing card for 1-4 minutes. When the test is finished, the card is placed in a measuring device, which immediately shows the result.

Preparing for the test:

It is not recommended to take any antibiotics or bismuth-containing medicines in the month before the test.
Antacids are no longer recommended in the week before the test.
No food or fluids should be taken in the 4 hours before the test.

The tablets taken during the test contain the carbon isotope C14, a naturally occurring radioactive isotope found in the air and in the human body. The patient will only be exposed to a level of radiation equivalent to the radiation received from naturally occurring background environmental radiation over a 24-hour period.

Nevertheless, the test is not recommended:

For pregnant women and breastfeeding
Persons under 18 years of age
People who have undergone gastric surgery and have had part or all of their stomach removed
In the case of hypersensitivity to any active substance
If there is a risk of other stomach infections