13C-urea breath test
13C-urea breath test is a painless, non-invasive method used to detect Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach. It is based on the ability of H. pylori to break down urea using the enzyme urease.
During the test, the patient ingests urea containing labeled carbon (13C). If H. pylori is present in the stomach, the urea is hydrolyzed by the urease enzyme into carbon dioxide and ammonia. The 13C-labeled carbon dioxide is absorbed into the blood and then exhaled. Samples of the patient's exhaled air are collected and tested before and after taking the 13C-labeled urea to see if Helicobacter pylori is in the body.
Before the test, it is necessary to consult a gastroenterologist, who will determine the indications and explain how to properly prepare for the procedure.
The test is performed on an empty stomach: the last meal should be at least 6 hours before the procedure. The day before and on the day of the test, you should avoid physical and emotional stress, as well as refrain from smoking for at least 1-2 hours before the procedure. The test cannot be combined with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) if it is scheduled for the same day. It is important to stop taking a number of medications that may affect the accuracy of the results in advance: antibiotics and bismuth preparations – 4 weeks before, proton pump inhibitors – 2 weeks before, and antacids and H2 blockers – 1-2 days before the procedure. These restrictions must be observed under the supervision of the attending physician.
Before starting the test, the patient must brush their teeth and rinse their mouth thoroughly to eliminate the impact of food residues or bacteria on the results. Then, a primary exhalation is performed: the patient exhales into a sealed bag marked with a blue label. After that, they take a capsule containing 13C-labeled urea and sit still for 30 minutes, avoiding talking and active movements. After this, a second (diagnostic) breath is taken into a red-marked bag, which is also immediately sealed. Both bags (with the primary and diagnostic samples) are sent to the laboratory for analysis.
We use a 13C-labeled urea capsule, two sealed bags for collecting exhaled air (labeled blue and red), and plugs to seal them tightly. Additionally, we use lab equipment that can detect the concentration of carbon dioxide with the 13C isotope in exhaled samples.
There's no recovery period after the procedure: patients can go back to their normal routine the same day.
Benefits
Requires no hospitalization
Performed on an outpatient basis in comfortable conditions
Evaluates treatment effectiveness
Can be used for post-treatment monitoring.
Fast
The procedure takes about 40 minutes.
Highly accurate
Provides reliable detection of Helicobacter pylori.
Painless
The procedure is performed without punctures, probes, or other interventions.
Specialists
Find a SpecialistIndications and contraindications
Indications
Monitoring the effectiveness of H. pylori eradication therapy
H. pylori infection diagnosis
Similar referral activities
SIBO breath test
The hydrogen-methane breath test is a noninvasive method of diagnosing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). This test measures the concentration of hydrogen and methane in exhaled air after the patient ingests lactulose. This helps identify an imbalance in intestinal bacterial flora.
Consultation with a gastroenterologist
Gastroenterology appointment focuses on diagnostics, treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases.
How to reach
How to get
From the Belorusskaya metro station of the Zamoskvoretskaya line - exit 4 After exiting the subway, walk through the pedestrian tunnel and climb the stairs. Move towards the railway tracks, go down the stairs immediately after them and walk along the house, then turn right onto 1st Yamskoye Pole Street. At the turn to 3rd Yamsky Pole Street, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue along 1st Yamsky Field Street, after a few buildings on the left you will see Olympus Clinic MARS.
Travel time
9 minutes
Landmark
Olympus Clinic MARS sign
How to get
From the Belorusskaya metro station of the Ring line - exit 2. After exiting the subway, turn left and walk to the pedestrian crossing. Cross the road through two pedestrian crossings and move along the Tverskoy overpass. Go down the stairs immediately after the railway tracks, walk along the house, then turn right onto 1st Yamskoye Pole Street. At the turn to 3rd Yamsky Pole Street, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue along 1st Yamsky Field Street, after a few buildings on the left you will see Olympus Clinic MARS
Travel time
11 minutes
Landmark
Olympus Clinic MARS sign
From the metro station "Tsvetnoy Bulvar"
1 exit to the city, then left to the Garden Ring, at the crossing to the right, crossing the boulevard, one more crossing and at the traffic light to the left. The Olymp Clinic building is located overlooking the Garden Ring to the right of the crossing. Travel time is approximately 9 minutes. Landmark - sign Olymp Clini
From the metro station "Sukharevskaya"
Exit 3 from the metro and 640 meters straight ahead, the clinic will be on the right. Landmark - sign Olymp Clinic
Parking lot map
Exit 3 from the metro and 640 meters straight ahead, the clinic will be on the right. Landmark - sign Olymp Clinic
From Sokol metro station
The last car from the center: follow the signs for Exit 5. From the glass doors to the right and go to the end of the passage. Exit to the city by the steps to the left. After exiting the crossing to the street, go straight along Leningradsky Prospekt to the intersection with Chapaevsky Lane. Next, turn right (onto Chapaevsky Lane) and walk to the Triumph Palace residential complex. Entrance to the territory: through checkpoint No. 1, opposite the Vkusville store, you will need to present your passport. After passing through the checkpoint, go up the stairs to the fountain, opposite it you will see our clinic.
Travel time
10-12 minutes
From the Airport metro station
The first car from the center: follow the Exit 2-3 signs. Turn left out of the glass doors and walk to the end of the passage. After exiting the crossing to the street, go straight along Leningradsky Prospekt to the intersection with Chapaevsky Lane. Next, turn left (onto Chapaevsky Lane) and walk to the Triumph Palace residential complex. Entrance to the territory: through checkpoint No. 1, opposite the Vkusville store, you will need to present your passport. After passing through the checkpoint, go up the stairs to the fountain, opposite it you will see our clinic.
Travel time
12-15 minutes
How to get
Entry to the territory is prohibited, but there are free city parking lots around the Triumph Palace residential complex, where you can easily find a place for your car. Free parking area:
