Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is a bacterial type that causes stomach infections, leading to peptic ulcers. It is widespread, impacting two-thirds of people globally. If the disease is chronic, it can lead to gastric and upper intestine ulcers (duodenitis), chronic stomach inflammation (gastritis), and sometimes stomach cancer.
Accurate diagnosis of H.pylori infection is important for timely, effective treatment. 13C urea breath test is a high-accuracy, non-invasive method to detect the presence of H.pylori in the stomach for targeted therapy. Precise assessment helps patients get the right treatment to reduce the potential risks.
13C-UBT for Detecting Current Infection and Confirming the Eradication
A specialized study shows that the 13C urea breath test has higher accuracy in the detection of H. pylori and can be an effective alternative either during diagnosis or follow-up after therapy[1].
13C-UBT also has a specificity of 98% and a sensitivity of 97%[2], which makes it a practical choice for healthcare professionals in assessing Helicobacter pylori infections.
In addition, utilizing the 13C urea breath test to verify the eradication of H. pylori post-treatment is essential for effective patient care. This method offers significant advantages, including non-invasiveness and strong precision.
Another research indicated that the 13C urea breath test matches stool antigen tests 87% of the time when checking treatment success[3]. This highlights its feasibility as a reliable follow-up option. It helps ensure patients receive the best possible care.
A Comprehensive Guide to the 13C Urea Breath Test
The 13C urea breath test is a reliable method for detecting the enzyme urease, commonly used to determine Helicobacter pylori status. This straightforward and non-invasive test is favored over alternative methods due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
- High accuracy
- Non-invasive and non-radioactive
- Provides quick results
UBT Test Procedure:
The 13C urea breath test measures the presence of the urease enzyme produced by the H. pylori bacterium. Urease breaks down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. During the test, the patient swallows a small amount of urea containing 13C (Carbon-13).
If H. pylori is present in the stomach, the urease enzyme will act with urea that has been labeled with 13C. This process releases carbon dioxide enriched with 13C. Healthcare professionals will use a specific breath collection device, such as a breath bag, to collect a sample of the patient’s breath.
If the test reveals a higher level of 13C in the breath prior to analysis in the laboratory, it suggests a positive result for H. pylori infection.
A specialized urea H. pylori breath test analyzer is used to measure the concentration of 13C in the exhaled breath.
Comparison between 13C Urea Breath Test and Other Diagnostic Methods
The 13C urea breath test offers several advantages over other invasive and non-invasive methods. Let’s see how accurate a breath test for H.pylori is in diagnosing the infection.
| Method | Type | Findings |
| 13C Urea Breath Test | Non-invasive | Easy to operate, high accuracy, preferred in children and pregnant women, fast results |
| 14C Urea Breath Test | Non-invasive | Minimal radiation（FDA exemption), not recommended for children and pregnant women |
| Stool Antigen Test | Non-invasive | Accuracy is affected by many factors; not easily accepted |
| Serology (Anti-H.pylori test) | Non-invasive | Measures antibodies, may remain positive after treatment, can lead to false positive results |
| Endoscopy with Biopsy | Invasive | Expensive, time-consuming, higher risk, and patient discomfort |
Advantages of 13C Urea Breath Test
The 13C urea breath test offers high sensitivity and specificity. This precision makes it a preferred choice for both initial diagnosis and monitoring of H.pylori infection in the stomach.
Here are some key benefits of using this method:
1. Non-invasive and Patient-friendly
This procedure does not require anesthesia, making it safe and comfortable for the patients.
2. High Accuracy and Reliability
13C-UBT is a highly precise H.pylori diagnostic test and has a low rate of false positives as compared to other methods.
3. Quick results
The rapid results allow for prompt diagnosis of the infection and timely treatment.
Your Trusted Source for 13C-UBT Kits
If you are looking for sustainable medical solutions, consider “Headway” as your reliable supplier of H.pylori urea breath test kits. Here are some key advantages of choosing Headway’s UBT kit over others:
- The kit is designed after robust research and development
- Global footprint enables swift product delivery
- Commitment to quality and innovation
- Maintain strict quality control standards
The UBT solution of Headway:
The 13C Capsule Breath Test Kit by Headway is a medical tool for diagnosing H.pylori infection. It safely confirms current infection and eradication after treatment, with a detection accuracy of up to 95%.
Innovative Features
- High sensitivity and specificity
- Global use over 30 years
- Easy to use
Conclusion
The 13C urea breath test poses no risk of complications that may occur with other diagnostic procedures like endoscopy. It is safe, painless, and easy to use. This test is a highly accurate and recommended method for detecting H.pylori, both for diagnosis and post-therapy follow-up.
Medical institutes should adopt the 13C-UBT test for error-free H. pylori testing. Implementing this efficient and reliable diagnostic tool will improve patient care and aid in the effective management of gastrointestinal disorders.
Reference:
- The accuracy of the rapid urease test and 13C-urea breath test in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9068206/ (Accessed: 25 December 2024)
- 13C urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori: Determination of the optimal cut-off point in a Canadian community population. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2660833/ (Accessed: 25 December 2024)
- The Use of 13C-Urea Breath Test for Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Comparison to Endoscopy and Stool Antigen Test. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/10/7/448 (Accessed: 25 December 2024)