Urea Breath Testing

Urea Breath Testing is now available at GastroMedicine & ENDOSCOPY.

The C14 Urea Breath Test is a diagnostic tool used to diagnose a current infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). H. pylori are bacteria that infect the stomach lining. These bacteria have been linked to many conditions and are implicated in the development of duodenal and gastric ulcers, Gastric Cancer and Lymphoma (see gastroscopy).

The test is often ordered by your Doctor to see if the bacteria are present in the stomach, and to confirm if the bacteria have been eradicated after a course of antibiotics. If you have a resistant strain of H. pylori bacteria, your Doctor may refer you to see one of our Gastroenterologists to discuss if further courses of antibiotics are required, and if so, which combinations are best.

The Urea Breath Testing is performed and processed on site at GastroMedicine & ENDOSCOPY. The test takes a total of 15 minutes to complete with minimal discomfort experienced by patients.

No sedation is required for the test and patients can drive to and from the centre. Patients are required to fast prior to this test with no food or drink for a minimum of 4 hours. The test procedure requires patients to swallow a capsule with water. After 10 minutes a sample of breath is collected. This sample is processed with the results sent to the patients referring doctor or GP within 1-2 days. Patients will need a referral from Family Doctor to obtain Medicare rebates.

For further advice and information, you can request an appointment, or call our reception team on .