Helicobacter pylori testing
Available in Budapest and Százhalombatta
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that colonises the lining of the stomach and may cause persistent inflammation. The infection can remain asymptomatic for a long time, but it may contribute to the development of chronic gastritis and gastric or duodenal ulcers.
At SanBer Medical, active Helicobacter pylori infection is detected using a urea breath test performed with a 14C-Helizo hard capsule. The breath sample is analysed with the Heliprobe® system.
The examination is quick, painless and non-invasive. It does not require a blood test or gastroscopy and is used to detect an active Helicobacter pylori infection.
Which conditions may be associated with Helicobacter pylori infection?
Helicobacter pylori infection often causes no symptoms, but it may be associated with:
- chronic gastritis,
- gastric and duodenal ulcers,
- recurrent upper abdominal or stomach complaints,
- an increased risk of developing certain types of stomach cancer.
When clinically indicated, testing for the infection may therefore be an important part of the diagnostic evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Which symptoms may indicate Helicobacter pylori infection?
Testing for Helicobacter pylori may be recommended in cases including:
- persistent or recurrent upper abdominal pain,
- a burning or gnawing sensation around the upper stomach,
- bloating or a feeling of fullness,
- nausea,
- a known or previous gastric or duodenal ulcer,
- a previously diagnosed Helicobacter pylori infection.
These symptoms are not specific to Helicobacter pylori infection. In cases of persistent or recurrent symptoms, a gastroenterological assessment is therefore recommended.
How can Helicobacter pylori infection be detected?
Several methods are available for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection.
Urea breath test
A painless and non-invasive method suitable for detecting an active Helicobacter pylori infection. At SanBer Medical, we use a breath test performed with a 14C-Helizo hard capsule.
Stool antigen test
This test may also be used to detect an active Helicobacter pylori infection.
Gastroscopy and tissue sampling
When indicated by the patient’s symptoms or medical history, Helicobacter pylori may also be detected in a gastric mucosal sample taken during gastroscopy.
Blood test
A blood test can detect antibodies produced against Helicobacter pylori. Because these antibodies may remain present for a long time after the infection has been eradicated, a blood test is not always suitable for determining whether an active infection is currently present.
How is the 14C-Helizo breath test performed?
The examination is based on the ability of Helicobacter pylori to produce the urease enzyme, which breaks down urea.
During the examination, the patient swallows one 14C-Helizo hard capsule with water. The capsule contains a small amount of urea labelled with the carbon-14 isotope.
If Helicobacter pylori is present in the stomach, the bacterium breaks down the urea, producing carbon dioxide labelled with carbon-14. This carbon dioxide appears in the patient’s exhaled air and can be detected in a suitable breath sample.
After the required waiting period, the patient blows into a special breath test card. Once a sufficient breath sample has been collected, the card is placed into the Heliprobe® analyser, which evaluates the sample.
The examination is simple, quick and painless for the patient.
What are the advantages of the 14C-Helizo breath test?
The examination:
- is painless and non-invasive,
- can be performed quickly,
- does not require a blood test,
- does not require gastroscopy,
- is suitable for detecting an active Helicobacter pylori infection,
- may also be used to check the success of treatment after the appropriate waiting period.
Is the 14C-Helizo examination safe?
The 14C-Helizo hard capsule is a radiopharmaceutical diagnostic preparation. One capsule contains 37 kBq of carbon-14-labelled urea.
The amount of radioactive material used during the examination is extremely small. Nevertheless, the preparation is subject to the regulations governing diagnostic examinations involving radioactive substances.
The examination is contraindicated during pregnancy.
During breastfeeding, the preparation may only be used following appropriate medical assessment. Breastfeeding must be suspended for two days after the examination, and any milk expressed during this period must not be used.
The examination is generally not recommended for patients under the age of 18. Its use in younger patients may only be considered following an individual medical assessment.
How should you prepare for the 14C-Helizo breath test?
Proper preparation is important for obtaining an accurate result.
- The examination is performed on an empty stomach, and at least six hours must have passed since the patient’s last meal.
- Water may be consumed, but drinks containing sugar or calories, such as fruit juice or lemonade, must be avoided.
- At least one month must have passed since taking antibiotics or bismuth-containing medication.
- At least one week must have passed since discontinuing acid-suppressing treatment.
- Proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor blockers may also affect the test result.
Any interruption or modification of regularly taken medication must always be discussed with the treating physician.
The examination cannot be performed in patients who have undergone partial or complete surgical removal of the stomach.
Follow-up testing after Helicobacter pylori treatment
Helicobacter pylori infection is treated with a combination of medications prescribed by a physician.
After treatment, it may be important to confirm whether the active infection has been successfully eradicated. The 14C-Helizo breath test may also be used for this purpose after the appropriate waiting period.
Depending on the test result and the patient’s symptoms, a gastroenterological consultation and further treatment may be recommended.