Biochemistry

Full details for "Urea Breath Test (UBT) ".
Name	Urea Breath Test (UBT)
Alternative name/Profile	Urea Breath Test (UBT)
Department	Biochemistry
Investigation	A test for detecting the presence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori in the stomach. Also used to check for eradication after treatment.
Specimen type	Breath
Sample type
Sample container & volume	UBT bag / 60 mL
Frequency of analysis	Weekly
Turnaround time	5 days
Availability	St James's Hospital Urea Breath Test Clinic only. Not available to any other service users.
Notes	Prior to UBT test, the Patient should ; - Fast for at least four hours - Discontinue any antibiotic treatment for at least four weeks - Discontinue H.Pylori treatment (combination of antibiotic and PPI) for at least four weeks. - Discontinue any acid-suppression medication for at least seven days Baseline and 10 minute sample collected
Related links
Reference range	Results reported as Negative (absence of Helicobacter pylori) or Positive (presence of Helicobacter pylori)
Last updated	Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:59:58 IST

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St. James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland. • tel: 01 410 3000 •