Urea breath test (C13 Test)

A quick, safe test that helps to diagnose stomach ulcers and indigestion.

Enquiries & Appointments

About urea breath test

Having Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) bacteria in your stomach could mean that you have a stomach ulcer or indigestion (dyspepsia). By looking for the presence of this bacteria, the urea breath test can give a strong indication as to whether or not you need further treatment.

Need to know

Your nurse will ask you to drink a special liquid. It contains a harmless radioactive chemical which is broken down by H pylori bacteria. For the next 30 minutes, you sit still without eating or drinking. You then breathe into a machine which takes samples of your breath. These samples are then sent to one of our labs for analysis.
Like all procedures there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your doctor or nurse will explain these to you and answer any questions. However, this diagnostic test is extremely safe. Your doctor will let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand. Please let them know if you're taking any medication as it may interfere with the results.
You'll be able to go home on the day. We'll contact you as soon as we have your results, and let you know if a follow-up is needed.

Our Urea breath test locations

The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London