H. Pylori Breath Test

For symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, burping, nausea, feeling full quickly, bloating, belching and or unintentional weight loss. This test can help detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in your stomach.

ALL TEST ARE ACCREDITED & REGULATED BY


What is a H. pylori breath test?

This test is used to detect the presence of a species of bacteria called H. pylori which can exist in your stomach and cause inflammation (gastritis) and ulcers in the lining of your stomach and intestines.


This simple breath test is used to detect if there is H. pylori present.


You may be referred for this test if you are experiencing symptoms such as upper abdominal pain or burning, nausea, feeling full quickly, bloating, belching and or unintentional weight loss.

How it works

You will provide two initial breath samples in two test tubes labelled ‘0 mins’ through a straw which will give us your baseline reading. You will drink a solution of citric acid mixed with approximately 200ml of water within 2 minutes.

You will drink the test substrate by mixing the white substrate powder with some water in a separate cup, ensuring all of the powder is consumed – note the time you finish this solution.

30-minutes later you will provide another two breath samples in two test tubes labelled ’30-mins’ just like in step 1.

Pop all of the test tubes back in the box with your patient ID leaflet which should already be in the pack, and place everything into the postage envelope provided.

Pop this in the post box or take it to a post office so your results can be analysed.

Preparing for your test

Before you test, there are some things we ask you to do, to ensure safety and accurate results. This includes stopping certain medication and fasting for a short period.

Please read our patient information leaflet for full details.

For 4 week before your test

Do not take any antibiotics

For 1 week before your test

Do not take any proton pump inhibitors (PPI) (such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, Nexium, etc.)

For 6 hours before your test

Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before your test (an overnight fast is recommended).

The day of your test

You can have small sips of water (maximum of 300 ml) until 2 hours start of your test.

You may take your essential medicines with a small amount of water but make sure you do not take anything that may affect your bowel (see previous list).

You may brush your teeth, but please try not to swallow any toothpaste.

Do not eat, drink, chew gum, smoke, eat breath mints and/or other sweets on the morning of or during of your test.

ⓘ If you are diabetic requiring insulin or other medications, ask your doctor if you should change your morning dose. Hypoglycaemic medications are usually not taken that morning until completion of the test, and you start eating again.  

Getting your test results

As soon as the lab finishes analysing the samples. A simple positive or negative result will be written up into a report and sent to yourself and or referring consultant via email.

Paying for your test

Self-paying: If you are paying for this test yourself and not through insurance, the cost will be £210.

This cost includes the breath test, analysis and report.

Insurance coverage

If you have private medical insurance, most companies can cover this for you.

After the Test (Post-Procedure Care)

After 24 hours, you can restart any medication and continue your everyday activities as usual.

Your results will be sent to a specialist for investigation, and you will get your detailed results at your next appointment with your consultant, who will discuss the outcome and all treatment solutions.