Helicobacter pylori Breath Test, Adult


Sunquest Code:HPBTA  
Epic Code:LAB8014Epic Name:Helicobacter pylori Breath Adult
Synonyms:H pylori; H. pylori; BreathTek UBT; 13C Urea Breath Test; Ulcer Breath Test
Methodology:Spectrophotometry
Turnaround Time:Specimens are sent to the reference laboratory Mon-Sat; results are reported within 4 days.


Collection Instructions

Specimen:Breath
Container:BreathTek UBT Kit, See Collection Instructions
Collection Instructions:Use BreathTek UBT kit (ARUP supply #51124) available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787.
  • Label breath collection bags with patient name, MRN, date and time of collection, and indicate Pre (blue) or Post (pink).
  • Collect the baseline (Pre) breath specimen according to the instructions in the BreathTek UBT kit.
  • After the allotted time, collect the Post breath specimen according to the instructions in the kit.
Do not allow patient to perform test. This test must be performed by a credentialed professional.
 
Patient Preparation:This test requires the adult patient (>17 years of age) to fast and abstain from smoking for 1 hour prior to test administration. The patient should not have taken antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (e.g., Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Nexium) or bismuth preparations (e.g., Pepto-Bismol) within the previous 14 days. The effect of histamine 2-receptor antogonists (e.g., Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac) may reduce urease activity on urea breath tests and should be discontinued for 24-48 hours before the sample is collected.

When used to monitor treatment, the test should be performed four weeks after cessation of definitive therapy. The patient should be informed that the Pranactin-Citric drink that will be administered contains phenylalanine. Phenylketourics restrict dietary phenylalanine.
Causes for Rejection:Underinflated bags. Specimens from patients younger than 18 years of age. Refrigerated or frozen samples.


Processing and Shipping

Specimen Processing:CRITICAL ROOM TEMPERATURE
Shipping Instructions:Ship at room temperature. Protect from temperature extremes.
Stability:1 week at room temperature.
Test Performed at or Referral Lab Lab Sendouts  (ARUP)
Referral Lab number:2010476


Interpretive

Reference Range:A negative result does not rule out the possibility of H. pylori infection. If clinical signs are suggestive of H. pylori infection, retest with a new specimen or an alternate method. Know causes of false negative results include:
  • Use of antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors and bismuth preparations during the preceding 2 weeks.
  • Administration of the breath test less than 4 weeks after completion of definitive therapy to eradicate H. pylori.
  • Premature or late collection of the post-dose specimen.
  Known causes of false positive results include:
  • Patients with achlorhydria
  • Rinsing the testing solution in the mouth, which can allow contact with urease-positive bacteria.
  • The presence of other gastric spiral organisms, such as Helicobacter heilmaii.
Limitations:For a valid result, the post-breath specimen must be collected between 15 and 30 minutes after the patient drinks the Pranactin-Citric solution.
Use:Use to diagnose H. pylori infection in adults (>17 years of age). For children and adolescents, refer to Helicobacter pylori Breath Test, Pediatric.


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