Private Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) Breath Test

An H. pylori test involves ingesting a substance called urea to see how your body processes it over time.

If H. pylori is present in your stomach, it will convert the urea into carbon dioxide, which can then be measured in your breath.

The test follows these simple steps:

1. Control sample: The first step of an H. pylori test involves providing a control sample. To collect this, you’ll breathe out into two sample tubes with a straw, and the amount of carbon dioxide found will be used as a baseline to compare against further samples taken during testing.

2. Drinking the solution: You’ll be asked to drink a solution containing citric acid followed by another solution containing C13 urea.

3. Second sample: After 30 minutes, a further 2 breath samples will be collected.

The test usually takes around 45 minutes, and for accurate results, you mustn't eat for 6 hours, drink, chew gum, smoke, sleep, or exercise for at least 2 hours before and during the test.

After the test, your result will be shared with your referring clinician within 7 working days.

Welbeck H. pylori postal test vs at-home kits

Welbeck offers a postal H. pylori breath test, allowing you to complete the test at home while still benefiting from specialist-led guidance and clear clinical follow-up.

Although many at-home H. pylori test kits are available, they may vary in quality, accuracy and the level of support provided. Some kits may test for antibodies, which can show previous exposure to H. pylori but may not always confirm whether you currently have an active infection.

With a Welbeck postal H. pylori breath test, you’ll receive clear instructions on how to prepare for and complete your test correctly. Your sample is then analysed by a laboratory, and your results are reviewed with appropriate guidance on what they mean. If your test is positive, you will be advised on the next steps, including treatment options and whether follow-up testing is needed to confirm the infection has cleared.

This gives you the convenience of testing at home, with the reassurance of support from a trusted healthcare provider.

An H. pylori breath test is non-invasive and very low-risk. In rare cases, some mild, temporary gastrointestinal side effects like stomach pain or a change in taste may be noticed.

There are a few things you’ll need to do in preparation for the test to ensure your results are as accurate as possible. 

Your consultant will discuss any medications you’re currently taking and advise you on when to stop taking them before the test, if necessary.

These include:

• antibiotics: stop taking antibiotics 1 month before your test

• proton pump inhibitors: stop taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) 2 weeks before your test

• H2 receptor antagonists: stop taking H2 receptor antagonists 2 days before your test

• pro-motility medicines: stop taking pro-motility medicines 2 days before your test

• antacids: avoid taking antacids the day before your test

• smoking: stop smoking and vaping the day before your test

• fasting: fast for 12 hours before your test. This means not eating or drinking anything except small amounts of water

An H. pylori breath test is non-invasive, and you can go home and start eating and drinking as soon as the test has finished. You’ll be able to resume taking your usual medications straight away.

A laboratory compares the control breath sample with the sample taken after the solution is administered to check for changes in carbon dioxide levels.

• positive result: the second sample contains higher levels of tagged carbon dioxide. This confirms an active H. pylori infection, which is usually treated with a targeted course of antibiotics

• negative result: there’s no significant difference between the samples. This suggests that you do not have an active infection

Because the test checks for active bacterial activity rather than lingering antibodies, it’s also widely used around 4 weeks after antibiotic treatment to confirm whether the infection has been successfully cleared.

Please contact our Digestive Health centre for pricing.

At Welbeck, our gastroenterologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book an H. pylori breath test, you must be referred by either your GP or a gastroenterologist following a consultation with them.  Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

H. pylori testing can be performed on site with our expert clinical team, or a postal test can be ordered and done from the comfort of your own home. Your consultant will discuss these options with you and advise on the most appropriate test for you.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck gastroenterologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients.

Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.