The Helicobacter pylori breath test, also referred to as the urea breath test, is a non-invasive procedure used to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach. During the test, you swallow a capsule containing urea labeled with radioactive carbon-14. If H. pylori bacteria are present, they break down the urea into carbon dioxide, which is then measured in your breath.
The radiation dose from this test is comparable to the amount of radiation you’re exposed to on a typical day, and it is considered safe for use during pregnancy and in children.
