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Test ID: UBT    
Helicobacter pylori Breath Test

Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

In the Helicobacter pylori urea breath test, 3 g of reconstituted Pranactin-Citric solution containing 75 mg of (13)C-urea is ingested by the patient. In the presence of urease associated with gastric Helicobacter pylori, (13)C-urea is decomposed to (13)CO2 and NH(4)(+) according to the following equation:

 

 

HPUrease

 

(NH2)(2) (13)CO + H2O + 2H

---------->

(13)CO2 + 2NH(4)+(13)C-urea

 

The (13)CO2 is absorbed in the blood, then exhaled in the breath. This results in an increase in the ratio of (13)]CO2 to (12)CO2 in a TEST breath specimen compared to a BASELINE specimen taken before the Pranactin-Citric solution was consumed. Analysis of the breath specimen is performed by infrared spectrophotometry.(Graham DY, Malaty HM, Cole RA, et al: Simplified 13C-urea breath test for detection of Helicobacter pylori infection. Gastroenterology 2001;96:1741-1745)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Friday; 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

Same day/1 day

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

2 days

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

Discard immediately after testing

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester