Clinical Significance
Alternative Names UBiT, Urea Breath Test, Breath Test, H.pylori
Helicobacter pylori, Urea Breath Test, Pediatric - Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative microaerophilic curved bacillus with an affinity for human gastric mucosa. H. pylori has been identified as an important pathogen in the upper GI tract. The casual relationship between H. pylori and chronic active gastritis, duodenal ulcers, and gastric ulcers has been well documented. BreathTek™ UBiT® for H. pylori is a non-invasive, non radioactive method for detecting urease activity associated with H. pylori infection. This test offers 95.2% sensitivity and 89.7% specificity compared with endoscopic methods.
Patient Preparation
Patient should fast one hour before collection of baseline breath sample. Pranactin®-Citric contains a small amount of aspartame sweetener. Test may not be suitable for patients with phenylketonuria whose dietary phenylalanine should be restricted.
Use of antimicrobials, proton pump inhibitors, or bismuth preparations within two weeks prior to administering the BreathTek™ UBT may cause a false negative result. However, a positive result is still valid.
Methodology
Infra-red Spectrophotometry (IR)
Preferred Specimen(s)
Human breath from patients 3-17 years of age: Paired breath samples (pre and post) collected in BreathTek™ UBT Collection Kit bags and must be submitted together. Follow instructions provided with kit.
Collection Instructions
This test can only be performed on specimens from patients 3-17 years old.
Patients >17 years of age must use test code 14839-Helicobacter pylori, Urea Breath Test.
Gender, height, weight and age must be provided on the pediatric UHR card included in the BreathTek™ UBT collection kit bags. Place the completed card inside the sample transport bag along with the collected breath samples.
Transport Container
Tightly capped blue and pink bags. Bags may leak if cap is not attached. Keep each pair of breath samples together reusing the plastic kit pouch provided.
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject Criteria
Specimen types other than BreathTek™ UBT bags • Specimens from patients <3 years old