What is C13 Helicobacter pylori testing?

Under normal circumstances, C13 Helicobacter pylori testing refers to carbon-13 urea breath test, a method used to detect Helicobacter pylori and determine whether there is an H. pylori infection in the stomach. The specific analysis is as follows:

The standard name for this test is the carbon-13 urea breath test, which detects H. pylori based on its ability to break down urea and produce carbon dioxide. To avoid affecting test results, patients must fast for 2–3 hours before undergoing the carbon-13 breath test. Typically, the patient first exhales into a container to collect a baseline breath sample. Then, the patient swallows a capsule containing urea labeled with carbon-13. After sitting quietly for 30 minutes, the patient exhales again to provide a second breath sample. By analyzing whether carbon-13-labeled carbon dioxide is present in the collected breath samples, the test can confirm the presence of a Helicobacter pylori infection. If infection is confirmed, patients are advised to take medications such as amoxicillin capsules or clarithromycin capsules under the guidance of a physician.

If patients experience any discomfort, they should promptly visit a hospital for targeted treatment to avoid delaying their recovery.