Urea breath test (UBT)

A test for the presence of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori that causes inflammation and ulcers in the stomach. The breath test is based on the ability of H. pylori to break down urea. Ten minutes after swallowing a capsule containing urea with labeled carbon, a breath sample is collected to detect labeled carbon in the exhaled breath. A positive test indicates active infection. The test turns negative after eradication of the bacteria from the stomach with antibiotics.