Helicobacter Pylori Bacteria Urea Breath Test

What is H. Pylori?
H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that grows in the digestive tract and has a tendency to attack the stomach lining. H. pylori infections are usually harmless but sometimes can be responsible for ulcers in the stomach and small intestine. 

Signs and Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori test:

When signs and symptoms are present they may include the following:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal Pain (most often in the central-upper area)
• Diarrhoea
• Hunger in the morning
• Halitosis (smelly mouth/breath)

What happens before the test?

You will receive a pre-test checklist at your initial GP consultation. It is important to follow these instructions closely as this may affect your test result. Contact the nurse or a member of admin should you have any queries.

What happens during the test?
After you have completed the pre-test checklist you should make an appointment with our Practice Nurse. They will ask you to blow into a small sample bag. You will then take a small oral Urea Tablet. This is a harmless substance that occurs naturally in the body. You will then be asked to repeat the test 10 minutes after you have taken the tablet. Results will usually take 10-14 working days.

What is the cost of the test?

After discussing with one of our GPs here at Ranelagh Medical you should then make an appointment with one of our Practice Nurses. The cost of the procedure with our Nurse Practitioner is €100. This also includes a free follow up with results and medication intervention if needed depending on results.

If you test positive for H. Pylori, your GP will prescribe medication. This usually consists of antibiotics and an anti-acid medication. If your symptoms persist post-treatment, it is important to follow up with your GP.