ureahengitystesti

Ureahengitystesti, also known as a urea breath test, is a non-invasive diagnostic medical test used to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in the stomach. H. pylori is a bacterium that can cause ulcers and gastritis.

The test works by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide (specifically, carbon-13 or carbon-14 isotopes) in a person's breath after they have ingested a solution containing urea. H. pylori bacteria in the stomach produce an enzyme called urease, which breaks down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. If H. pylori is present, the labeled carbon dioxide will be absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled in the breath.

To perform the test, the patient typically fasts for several hours beforehand. They will first provide a baseline breath sample. Then, they drink a solution containing labeled urea. After a specific incubation period, usually 20-30 minutes, a second breath sample is collected. The two samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

The laboratory compares the amount of labeled carbon dioxide in the second sample to the baseline sample. An elevated level of labeled carbon dioxide indicates the presence of urease activity, and therefore H. pylori infection. The urea breath test is highly accurate and is a common method for diagnosing H. pylori before treatment or to confirm eradication after treatment. It is generally considered safe for most individuals, including pregnant women and children, although specific guidelines may vary.