Helicobacter pylori breath test
- Appointment required
C13 urea breath test to detect Helicobacter pylori (active infection) without an endoscopy. It is used both for the initial diagnosis and to check whether the bacterium has been eradicated after treatment. It requires an appointment, fasting and correct preparation to avoid false negatives.
No prescription needed, appointment required
Results in 3-5 working days after the test
Breath sample. Includes: Urea breath test. See what it measures
What it is for
It is used to answer whether there is an active Helicobacter pylori infection. It can be used for compatible symptoms or history, and also to confirm eradication once enough time has passed after antibiotics.
Unlike antibodies in blood, which can stay positive long afterwards, the breath test reflects current activity. The stool antigen test is another valid alternative; the breath test avoids collecting a sample and offers a non-invasive test.
When it is recommended
- Persistent heartburn, upper abdominal pain or indigestion, when a non-invasive approach is appropriate
- A known or suspected gastric or duodenal ulcer
- Confirming eradication at least four weeks after finishing antibiotics
- A personal history that makes it relevant to look for Helicobacter pylori
- Before certain long-term treatments, if the responsible doctor has recommended it
Clinical comment
Preparation is part of what makes the test reliable. Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole or pantoprazole, temporarily reduce the activity and number of bacteria. Antibiotics and bismuth can do the same for longer. If the time limits are not respected, a negative result may be false.
Bear in mind that this test does not replace an endoscopy when there are warning signs, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, unexplained anaemia, persistent vomiting, difficulty swallowing or unintentional weight loss. In those situations a medical assessment is required before choosing the test.
Dr. Antonio Mas
What is tested
• Urea breath test (C13): Compares a sample of exhaled breath before and after taking labelled urea. If Helicobacter pylori is active in the stomach, it breaks down the urea and the label appears in the breath.
- Urea breath test (C13)
How to prepare
An appointment and at least 6 hours of fasting are required. Do not take proton pump inhibitors during the 2 preceding weeks, or antibiotics or bismuth preparations during the 4 preceding weeks.
The test takes about 30 minutes and is carried out at the partner centre. Fast-acting antacids can usually be used until the day before. If you take omeprazole, pantoprazole or another stomach protector regularly, speak to your doctor before stopping it.
You can add
Without another needle. It is offered when you order, so you do not have to decide now.
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The most comprehensive is not always the most useful. Each profile page explains when it makes sense and when it does not.
What it is based on
Malfertheiner P, et al. · Gut 71(9):1724-1762
Management of Helicobacter pylori infection: the Maastricht VI/Florence consensus report
Places the urea breath test as the most accurate non-invasive test for Helicobacter pylori, valid before and after treatment. IgG antibodies in blood do not distinguish active from past infection and cannot be used to check eradication, which is measured four to six weeks after finishing antibiotics and with the proton pump inhibitor stopped fourteen days before.
Protocol designed by Dr. Antonio Mas, specialist in Endocrinology and Nutrition, Spanish medical licence no. 080846289, and reviewed in September 2026.
This blood test is a standardised protocol and does not replace a medical consultation. If you have symptoms, a known condition or a complex clinical situation, speak to your doctor.