Ordering Guidance

An alternative test for the diagnosis of active Helicobacter pylori infection in patients is the HPFRP / Helicobacter pylori with Clarithromycin Resistance Prediction, Molecular Detection, PCR, Feces, which requires a different collection.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation:

1. Patient should be fasting for 1 hour.

2. Do not administer this test if this list of instructions is not followed, as test results may be inaccurate:

a. Do not administer this test if patient is allergic to citric acid.

 Note: Product contains aspartame.

b. Patients should not take proton-pump inhibitors (eg, Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, and Nexium) or bismuth compounds (eg, Pepto-Bismol) for 2 weeks prior to testing.

c. Patients should not take antibiotics for 4 weeks prior to testing.

d. Histamine 2-receptor antagonists (H2RA), such as Pepcid, Tagamet, Axid, or Zantac may impact the sensitivity of the test and, if possible, should be discontinued for 2 weeks prior to testing.

3. Carafate (sucralfate) does not interfere with the test. Use of antacids does not affect the accuracy of this assay.

Supplies: H. Pylori Breath Kit - Meridian BreathID (T906; fees apply)

Collection Instructions:

1. Do not collect if patient is younger than 3 years of age.

2. Follow instructions included with kit.

3. Mixing the (13)C-Urea Tablet

a. Dissolve the Citrica and the (13)C-enriched urea tablet in 150 to 200 mL (5.1 to 6.8 oz.) of tap water in the provided drinking cup.

b. Close the lid firmly using both hands. Place fingers over lid and shake thoroughly for a few minutes, until the Citrica Powder and the urea tablet are completely dissolved.

Note: Tiny particles may remain visible after thorough mixing. However, if more substantial particulate matter is still present after five minutes of mixing, discard the solution and repeat the procedure with a new kit.