Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterial infection in the stomach lining that affects more than half the world’s population and plays, if left untreated, a key role in the development of peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, and gastric cancer.
At United Digestive, we offer the H. pylori breath test, a simple, noninvasive way to detect an active Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. This bacterium can cause stomach ulcers, gastritis, and other digestive conditions. During the test, you provide breath samples before and after drinking a special solution. If H. pylori is present, it breaks down the solution and produces carbon dioxide, which can be detected in your breath. This accurate, noninvasive test helps diagnose active infection so you can receive effective treatment and long-term symptom relief.
Patients can review important patient instructions prior to their appointment to help ensure accurate testing results: English / Spanish / Vietnamese / Korean
FAQs
Yes. It can spread through saliva, contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. That’s why accurate diagnosis and treatment are important.
You may benefit from H. pylori testing if you experience:
- Recurring or persistent abdominal pain
- Frequent bloating, nausea, or vomiting
- Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
- Black, tarry stools or symptoms of anemia
- A history of ulcers or gastritis
- Family history of stomach cancer
Testing is also recommended prior to starting long-term NSAID therapy (e.g., ibuprofen) in certain patients, or if you’ve previously been treated for H. pylori and need to confirm eradication.
The urea breath test (UBT) involves the patient drinking a special liquid and providing a breath sample, which will show elevated carbon dioxide levels if H. pylori is present.
The test is:
- Simple and outpatient
- 94–100% accurate
- Covered by most insurance plans
- Used both for diagnosis and confirmation of successful treatment
Important: To ensure accuracy, patients must stop proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antibiotics, and bismuth products (like Pepto-Bismol) at least 2–4 weeks prior to testing. Your provider will give detailed instructions.
You’ll be prescribed a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medications for 10–14 days. After treatment, a follow-up breath will confirm the infection is gone.
Yes. Follow-up testing is recommended to confirm the infection is fully eradicated. If symptoms return or persist, you may need to retest.
Yes. If you test positive for H. pylori, household members may also benefit from testing, especially if they have symptoms, share a kitchen or food preparation space, or are at higher risk. Testing family members can help reduce the risk of reinfection and prevent the spread of the infection.
Yes. Even if your symptoms improve, it is important to confirm that the infection has been completely eliminated. Your provider may recommend a follow-up noninvasive test, such as a urea breath test, at least four weeks after completing treatment to ensure the infection is gone.