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DETECTION OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI – C14 UBT

1. PURPOSE

During the appointment, be prepared to discuss your medical history, medications you are taking, allergies, and any other relevant health information.

2. SCOPE

This document applies to all staff under the employ of Australian Clinical Labs (“Clinical Labs”) and all facilities that are operated and/or managed by Clinical Labs in NSW and ACT providing pathology collection services.

3. DEFINITIONS

UBT: Urea Breath Test.

4. PRECAUTIONS

UBT: Urea Breath Test.

5. PROCESS

This test is used for detecting the presence of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori which can cause stomach inflammation. It may also be used to check that the bacteria have been eradicated after treatment. The test results in exposure to a very small amount of radiation, similar to what we receive from the general environment in a day.

If patient is pregnant, could be pregnant, are breastfeeding, or if the test is for a child under 12 years old, an alternative test (H. pylori stool antigen) is recommended. Refer the patient to discuss this with their doctor.

Please consult with the clinical biochemist before proceeding if patient is pregnant, could be pregnant, are breastfeeding, or if the test is for a child under 12 years old.

5.1 PATIENT PREPARATION

Patient is to fast for a minimum of 6 hours prior to the test (no food or drink, including water). No smoking for a minimum of 2 hours before the test. If any prescription medication (other than those listed below) are required, the patient may take these after completing the test in the morning or have the test in the afternoon 6 hours after any food/water/medication.

The following medications should NOT be taken prior to the test. The patient should consult their doctor before stopping any medication.

Exclusion Period Type of Medication Generic Name Trade Names
Four Weeks Antibiotics All Antibiotics except Vancomycin and Sulphonamides Bactrim, Septrin, etc.
Four Weeks Ingredient in antacids, antidiarrheal & GI medication Bismuth Denol, Helldac
14 Days Cytoprotectives Sucralfate Carafate, Ulcyte, SCF
7 Days Proton Pump Inhibitors Lansoprazole, Rabeprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole Zoton, Pariet, Losec, Losec IV, Maxor, Nexium, Somac
During fasting and during test Antacids ALU-tab, Andrews TUMS, Antassa, De Wits antacid powder, Daxal, ENO, Gastrogrel, Gaviscon, Gelusil, Medetoam2, Meracote, Mucaine, Mylanta, Rennie, Salvitai, Sigma liquid antacid, Titralac (same trade names as generic—brand availability varies)
During fasting and during test H2 Antagonists Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine Cinetimax, Cimehaxal, SBPA-Ranitidine, Magicul, Sigmetadine, Tagamet, WL-Cimetidine, Ranitidine BC, Genrx Ranitidine, Rani 2, Hexal Ranitic, SBPA-Ranitidine, Ranhexal, Zantac, Ausran, Ranoxyl, Amfamox, Pepcid, Pepcidine Tazac

Note: Confirmatory tests post antibiotic treatment for Helicobacter Pylori cannot be done until a minimum of 4 weeks following completion of the course.

5.2 COLLECTIONS PROCEDURE

  • Open the UBT test kit and take out 2 paper cups. Fill one cup with water.
  • Peel the cover of the capsule package. Instruct the patient to place the capsule into their mouth and swallow the capsule with one cup of water. (Patient is not to touch the capsule with their fingers).
  • Set the timer for 3 minutes and then ask the patient to drink the second cup of water.
  • Set the timer for 7 minutes. While you are waiting, label the balloon with all details required (patient full name, barcode, date, time and Doctor). Insert the straw into the balloon in the kit through the slit in the neck of the balloon. Perform blood collection during this period if any other tests are requested.
  • After this 7-minute period, ask the patient to hold their breath for 10 seconds and then blow into the balloon with one continuous breath.
  • Once the balloon is full/firm, remove the straw and:
Description Illustration
balloon will seal itself (no need to make a knot)
New type of balloon 		New type of balloon
tie a knot in the neck of the balloon
Older type of balloon 		Older type of balloon
  • Label the box with details required (patient full name, DOB, date and time of collection and barcode number).
  • Place the request form and balloon into the box and seal both ends.
  • Place the UBT kit into clear bag and send it to the laboratory for analysis.

6. RELATED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, STANDARDS

Collection Centre PPE Guide — nACC-SOP-004

7. RELATED FORMS

Patient Instructions – Helicobacter Pylori Urea Breath Test C14 — ACLMAR-PAT-NAT-0022

8. FEEDBACK

Clinical Labs staff may provide feedback about this document by emailing the Collection Services Manager, NSW/ACT.

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