urea breath test (UBT)
A urea breath test (UBT) is a simple, safe, and non-invasive test that checks for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in the stomach. It can also be used to confirm that treatment has eliminated the infection.
How the test is performed
- You breathe into a container to provide a breath sample.
- You swallow a pill or liquid that contains urea.
- You provide another breath sample a few minutes after swallowing the urea.
- The two breath samples are compared to each other.
What the test detects
If you have H. pylori, the bacteria will change the urea into carbon dioxide. The second breath sample will contain more carbon dioxide than the first.
When to get the test
A doctor may recommend a UBT if you have symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, or unexplained weight loss.