Urea breath test is a quick diagnostic procedure used to identify the presence of Helicobacter Pylori bacteria infections
. The helicobacter pylori bacteria converts urea to ammonia and by this way diseases like gastric ulcer, gastritis, peptic ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection are caused. The urea breath test is also conducted to check whether the bacteria have been eliminated from the stomach by proper treatment.
The process of Urea breathe test:
During the urea breath test, the patient needs to gulp an isotope, which contains urea. In the following ten to thirty minutes the detection of CO2 in the exhaled breath is made. After that the samples of the exhaled breathing are collected and the amount of CO2 in the breath is measured. A 2 point sample is collected within 20 to 30 minutes after swallowing and then the samples are sent to the laboratory for carbon dioxide measurement.
If the measured amount of carbon dioxide indicates that the swallowed urea is split, it signifies that the urease enzyme as well as helicobacter pylori bacteria are there in the stomach of that person.
The Urea Breath Test has many advantages over the other Helicobacter pylori tests for primary diagnosis and follow-up. A urea breath test can be the best protection for the early detection and diagnosis of helicobacter pylori bacterial diseases.
The advantages of urea breathe test:
It is painless and quick
No special type of handling is required in this test
The test is non invasive
The urea breath test is done with antibiotics, so they are not infectious and it can contribute to any type of antibiotic resistance
The inconvenience of the patient is minimum
This test does not contain any bio-hazardous component
This test can offer peace of mind to both the doctor and patient ensuring that the bacterial infection has been destroyed.