INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS FOR UREA BREATH TEST

The C13 Urea Breath Test is a simple test to find out if you have bacteria in your stomach called Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori). These bacteria are a major cause of stomach inflammation and ulceration. If this test shows that you do have H.pylori, you may be treated with a short course of tablets to cure the infection. Although the tablets get rid of the H.pylori in 9 out of 10 cases, it is still important to make sure the infection has been properly treated. We can do this with the aid of a simple breath test

IT IS IMPORTANT TO READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU HAVE THE BREATH TEST

PRE-TEST PREPARATION:
•	Food		You must not have anything to eat or drink for 6 hours before the test
•	Medication	No antibiotics can have been taken for 4 weeks prior to the test

THE FOLLOWING MEDICATION MUST BE STOPPED AT LEAST TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE TEST:

Lansoprazole also known as Zoton
Omeprazole also known as Losec
Pantoprazole also known as Protium
Esomeprazole also known as Nexium
Rabeprazole also known as Pariet

THE FOLLOWING MEDICATION MUST BE STOPPED AT LEAST FOUR DAYS BEFORE THE TEST:

Cimetidine also known as Tagamet
Ranitidine also known as Zantac
Nizatidine also known as Axid

All the above named medication is taken to reduce production of acid in your stomach. If your symptoms get worse when you stop this medication then you may take simple antacids such as Gaviscon until the night before the test
Please continue to take any other medication that has been prescribed to you

ON THE DAY OF THE TEST:

Mrs Becky Liquorish will be doing the test for you. If you have any queries do not be afraid to ask.
You will be asked about any tablets or medicines that you have been taking and to confirm when you last had anything to eat and drink.
The test involves taking a breath sample from you, then taking a tablet with water and taking a further breath sample 10 minutes after taking the tablet.
You may go home immediately after the test and will be able to eat and drink normally afterwards. The results will be sent to your doctor within two weeks

YOUR DOCTOR HAS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU NEED AN H.PYLORI BREATH TEST

PLEASE TAKE THE ATTACHED INFORMATION SHEET HOME, READ 

IT CAREFULLY THEN RING THE SURGERY ON 0116 2333600 TO SPEAK 

TO MRS BECKY LIQUORISH TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT FOR 

THE BREATH TEST AT THE SURGERY

PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF YOUR APPOINTMENT TIME HERE:

Day & date of appointment ……………………………………………………….

Time of appointment ………………………………………………………………